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Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 553

Pair: Private W. P. Bristowe, 6th Dragoons

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (2929. Pte. W. Bristow. 6/Drgn. Gds.), note misspelled surname; King's South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2929 Pte W. Bristowe. 6th Drgn: Gds:), overall pitting and contact wear, heavy edge bruise to second, overall very fine (2)

Provenance
Glendining’s April 1989.

William Powerscourt Bristowe was born at Kensington, London in 1870, his attestation gives his profession prior to enlisting as Traveller, confirmed on the 1891 census as Commercial Traveller. Joining the 6th Dragoon Guards at Edinburgh on 4 July 1892 he remained on Home Service until 4 July 1899 when he was sent to the Army Reserve. Recalled to the colours on 7 October 1899 for service at the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer he arrived in South Africa on 4 November 1899 just 20 days before the birth of his son on 27 October. On the birth certificate the elder Bristowe’s profession is listed as Gentleman’s Servant Army Reserve Man.

The 6th Dragoon Guards served as part of the 1st Cavalry Brigade in South Africa, serving as part of General French’s force on the road to Kimberly. They also fought at Diamond Hill although Bristowe himself is not entitled to the clasp suggesting that he was either not present or not did not engage. Later the unit served with British columns formed to take part in the guerrilla stage of the conflict, with the 6th part of General Allenby’s force around the Vaal River.

Bristowe returned home on leave on 24 December 1900, likely to see his young son who was over a year old and had yet to meet his father. He returned to South Africa on 5 August 1901 in time for General Plumer’s September 1901 push into eastern Transvaal. Returning to Britain after the conclusion of hostilities Bristowe returned to the Army Reserve on 1 May 1903. It is possible he saw Great War service as a medal index card to the 6th Dragoon Guards does exist in the name of William Bristowe, although no link has yet been found; sold together with copied census papers, service records and a copied biographical note along with a former C.D. of research.

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Sold for
£130

Starting price
£130