Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 173

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (5059 Pte. F. Thornthwaite. 1st Rl: Dragoons.), mounted as worn, light edge bruising and contact wear, very fine

Note missing first initial.

William Frederick Thornthwaite was born at Croydon on 23 July 1882, the son of Thomas and Clara Thornthwaite of 25 Crecent Road, Croydon. His father worked as a mathematical instrument maker however the younger Thornthwaite did not follow in his footsteps, becoming a Clerk and enlisting with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Royal Fusiliers at some stage prior to 1901.

Attesting for service with the 1st Royal Dragoons on 9 January 1901 at Shorncliffe he entered the war in South Africa in March 1902. The Regiment had been in the country since 1899 and saw much useful work with the British columns, seizing cattle and conducting 'sweeps' across the veldt in search of Boer holdouts. Thornthwaite's service here additionally entitled him to the South Africa 1902 clasp.

Returning to Britain in October he served there until 1904 when he was once again posted abroad, this time to India. He was posted to the Army Reserve in 1909 and by 1911 was an iron and brass worker, he was discharged from the Reserve in 1913 and as such missed the start of the Great War. Re-enlisting in 1917 he was posted to the Corps of Dragoons and served with them likely on the Western Front (British War and Victory Medals).

Discharged back to the Reserve in 1919 Thornthwaite settled at Thorn Heath and went on to work as a printer. He died in 1962; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£75

Starting price
£60