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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 120

The Queen's South Africa Medal awarded to Sergeant C. S. Watson, South African Medical Corps, late South African Constabulary, who died of disease on 20 August 1917 in German East Africa and who had previously served in the Boer War, having briefly been taken a Prisoner

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (2755 3rd Cl: Tpr: C. S. Watson. S.A.C.) lightly toned, very fine

Charles Spriggs Watson was born on 17 July 1875 at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. He joined the South African Constabulary on 29 January 1901 at their recruitment office in Glasgow. His original departure was delayed because he was a married man at the time, this was eventually resolved and his attestation papers were signed on 1 May 1901 and Watson left for South Africa. On 28 September 1901 he went missing near Leeuwfontein in the Orange Free State but was later released and rejoined his troop, having been released by the Boers.

His family joined him in South Africa, leaving the family home in Scotland, and he was then to leave the S.A.C., and wrote to Captain Collins on 25 February 1903 as follows:

"Sir

I beg to make application for my discharge from S.A.C. with a view of receiving civil employment at my trade as Plumber by D.W.O. "E" Division, S.A.C. Hoping that you will recommend my application."

He was discharged on 8 April 1903, with the outbreak of the Great War he completed the South African Expeditionary Forces Attestation form at Potchefstroom on 9 December 1915 for service with the South African Medical Corps in German East Africa. Having been passed as 'Fit' by the Doctor he was given the number 879 and with the rank of Private was assigned to the Sanitation Corps and, initially, attached to the 4th South African Horse with effect from 15 January 1916 when he was already deployed in German East Africa. He had been promoted to Corporal with the Sanitation Corps four days earlier, being elevated to Sergeant's rank on 21 March 1916.

With the climate not suited for troops of European Watson was recalled back to South Africa and disembarked at Durban from H.M.T. Aragon on 11 February 1917 and was given recuperative leave to Johannesburg from 14 February until 13 May 1917 before being sent back to the front on 13 June 1917 aboard the H.M.Y. Anchises.

Back in the theatre of conflict he was attached to the 8th South African Infantry on 18 May 1917 where he resumed his duties. On 13 August 1917 at Lindi he succumbed to the ravages of Blackwater Fever and was hospitalised. He died on 20 August 1917 and is buried in the Dar Es Salaam Cemetery, Tanzania. His wife did not claim his Great War campaign medals.

In addition to the 2 clasps on the medal he was entitled to the clasps South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.

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Sold for
£90

Starting price
£70