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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 367

Five: Colour Sergeant J. A. Humphreys, Shropshire Light Infantry, one of the longest lived members of the unit

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (4968 Cpl. J. A. Humphreys, 2nd Shrop: Lt. Infy.); King's South Africa 1901-1902, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4968 Serjt: A. Humphries. Shrops:: Lt. Infy.), note incorrect spelling; British War and Victory Medals (4968 W.O. Cl. 2. J. Humphries. K.S.L.I.), note incorrect spelling; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (4968 C.Sgt: J. A. Humphreys. Shrop: L.I.), mounted as worn, minor polishing and contact wear, very fine overall (5)

John Arthur Humphreys also spelled Humphries, was born at St. Chad's, Shrewsbury in 1877 and attested at Shrewsbury on 27 November 1895. Advanced Corporal in May 1899 he was posted to South Africa with that rank as part of the 2nd Battalion on 10 October 1899.

Promoted Sergeant on 1 September 1902 he returned to Britain in October 1902 and was posted to India the next year in February 1903. Out there he was advanced Colour Sergeant on 1 February 1906 and earned his L.S. & G.C. in that rank in April 1914 just prior to a further promotion to Colour Sergeant Major on 8 October 1914.

The outbreak of war saw an expansion of the army and Humphreys was ordered back to Britain to help train the recruits, arriving there on 18 October 1914-1916. Eventually his Battalion was posted to France, entering the war there on 13 January 1916 and serving until 27 August 1916. Returning to Britain he was posted to the Training Reserve in September 1916 and continued in that role, being discharged in 1919 with the Acting rank of Regimental Sergeant Major.

Humphrey's remained heavily involved with the Regiment and became one of its oldest living members, with an article in the Regimental Journal published in January 1958 printing the following article:

'Argument rages as to who is the oldest living member of the K.S.L.I. We publish a photo taken recently by the Express & Star, of R.S.M. A. Humphries [SIC], and Lieut. And Quartermaster C. Crooke. They both joined the 2nd Bn. In 1894, served with the Bn. In the South African War, and in India till 1914. R.S.M. Humphries was then an Instructor to the Kitchener Army till he was posted overseas. He was discharged with a pension in 1919. Lieut. Crooke served in France from 1914/19 and he also retired after 25 years service.
But now R.S.M Thomson [see Lot 704] reminds us of two even older soldiers; Mr F. Burnell, Bandmaster of the 2nd Bn. till 1930, who enlisted with that Bn. in 1890; and Mr Bill Jones of the 1st Bn. who served in Hong Kong in the 1890's and is in possession of the Hong Kong Plague medal. Can anyone suggest others who may have an equal or better claim to fame as the oldest soldier of the Regiment?'

Sold together with journal clippings and copied research.

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Sold for
£230

Starting price
£110