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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 353

Pair: Sergeant J. Spears, Shropshire Light Infantry

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 (3998 Serjt. J. Spears. Shrops :L.I.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (3998 Sjt: J. Spears. Shrops: L.I.), edge bruise and light contact marks, very fine (2)

John Spears was born at Hulme, Lancashire in 1873 and enlisted at Bury on 21 January 1893 with the 2nd Battalion. Posted to join the first Battalion in Hong Kong on 15 December 1893 he was there during the plague when the Battalion acted as the 'Whitewash Brigade', helping to combat the effects of the epidemic.

They were later posted to India on 22 December 1894 where Spears was advanced Sergeant on 1 April 1899. Transferred back to 2nd Battalion in South Africa on 14 February 1902 he served with them in the Transvaal during the final months of the Anglo-Boer War. Returning to Britain on 15 January 1904 his final tour of duty was in India from 2 October 1907.

Joining the Army Reserve Spears was discharged in 1911, earning his L.S. & G.C. in October of that year. He returned to service during the Great War on 24 September 1914 with the Manchester Regiment and saw Home service until 30 November 1917. For this service he is entitled to a Silver War Badge only; sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£160

Starting price
£100