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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 191

The Queen's South Africa Medal awarded to Petty Officer J. E. Hughes, Royal Navy, who was 'mentioned' for his service with the Naval Brigade of Philomel during the Anglo-Boer War

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek (J. E. Hughes, A.B. H.M.S. Philomel.), nearly extremely fine

There are 24 men of H.M.S. Philomel entitled to five clasp medals.

John Edward Hughes was born at Liverpool on 19 October 1875 and enlisted with the Royal Navy as Boy Class II on 25 June 1901. Coming of age with the cruiser Hawke in 1893 he was further advanced Able Seaman with Edgar in 1895. Joining her in the Mediterranean in October 1895 he was still with this vessel the next month when her pinnace capsized off Korea, with 48 hands lost.

Joining Philomel on 1 December 1898 he was still with her on the Cape of Good Hope Station on the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War. The cruiser provided a large Naval Brigade for General Buller's army early in the campaign. They contributed two of the ship's 4.7-inch guns for this endeavour and Hughes appears to have served with them. They saw heavy fighting during the 'Black Week', notably at Colenso and then later attempts to cross the Tugela River. They were again heavily in action at Sunday River in Spring 1900.

Hughes was 'mentioned' for his services by the detachment commander Lieutenant Halsey on 17 October 1900, (London Gazette 17 March 1901, refers). Surviving the conflict he went on to be advanced Leading Seaman on 1 April 1901 and Petty Officer on 25 April. It was in this rank that he was presented his medal by the King in March 1902.

Leaving Philomel that same month he served until 1909 when he was finally invalided from service; sold together with an extract from South African War 1899-1902 as well as medal rolls and service papers.

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Sold for
£500

Starting price
£170