Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 116

(x) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Orange Free State, Transvaal (3817 Pte. C. Ennis. Rl: Innis: Fus:), slight edge bruise and contact wear, overall very fine

Charles Ennis was born at Shankhill, Belfast, Ireland in 1873, and attested for the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 16 January 1892. Here he served in the Peshawur Column under Brigadier General A. G. Hammond V.C. during the Tirah Expedition 1897.

Posted to South Africa for the final year of the Anglo-Boer War Ennis arrived on 24 January 1902. Here the Battalion had one major action, described as follows by Lord Kitchener:

'Beyers' laager having been located at Palkop, the force under Colonel Colenbrander moved by different routes from Pietersburg so as to block all the principal outlets. The march was successful, and at 3 pm on the 8th a half-battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, led by Colonel Murray, attacked the entrance to Molipspoort, covering the enemy's position. The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers advancing magnificently in the face of opposition, and making skilful use of cover, by dusk had seized a hill to the east of Poort'.

Embarking for the U.K. on 23 October 1903 he served there for several months before being finally discharged on 15 January 1904. He is also noted receiving entitlement to the Cape Colony clasp after his medal was already issued. The clasp arrived with him on 30 September 1904, however it is not present with his entitlement.

Further entitled to the India General Service Medal 1895-1908, with clasps for Tirah 1897-98 and the Punjab Frontier 1897-98.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£110

Starting price
£70