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Picture courtesy of Noonan's

IGS 1854 (1) Burma 1889-92 (1729 Pte. T. Matthews 2nd. Bn. Devon. Regt.);
IGS 1895 (2) Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (1729 Pte. T. Matthews 1st. Bn. Devon Regt.);
QSA (3) Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal (1729 Pte. F [sic]. Matthews. Devon: Regt.);
KSA (2) (1729 Pte. T. Matthews. Devon: Regt.);
Army LS&GC Ed VII (1729 Pte. T. Matthews. Devon: Regt.)

Noonans say an examination of the relevant medal rolls indicates a total of 12 men from the Devonshire Regiment received this combination of five medals.

Thomas Lowden Matthews was born at Bickleigh, Devon in April 1868. A Labourer by occupation he enlisted at Mannamead, Devon for the Devonshire Regiment on 16 June 1887. Serving with the 1st Battalion in England he embarked with a draft for the 2nd Battalion arriving in Rawalpindi on 11 November 1890. With his new battalion he embarked for operations in Burma, arriving in Shwebo on 18 December 1891. Serving with the Wuntho Expedition between 16 February and 30 April 1891, he took part in the attack on Kyaingkwintaung Stockade when 13 of the Battalion were killed and wounded.

On the conclusion of operations in Burma, Matthews was drafted back to the 1st Battalion now serving on the North West Frontier of India. Joining the Tirah Field Force at Kohat on 8 October 1897 he was present at the capture of Sampagha and Arhangha Passes 30 October 1897. Stationed at Jullundur the 1st Battalion received orders to proceed to South Africa disembarking at Durban 5 October 1899. Following the action at Elanslaagte they were besieged in Ladysmith where he was admitted to hospital at Intombi suffering from dysentery.

The battalion returned to India in 1902 and the following year he was posted back to the 2nd Battalion stationed at Bordon Camp before being transferred to the Depot at Exeter. He was discharged at his own request after 18 years’ service on 5 July 1905 having been awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Employed as the Water Bailiff at Yeoland Mine, Yelverton and now married with a family he re-enlisted for Home Service on 19 October 1914 at the Devonshire Regiment Depot at Exeter. Posted to 621 Labour Corps Agricultural Company in January 1918, he was finally demobilised on 29 April 1919 having served a further 4 years and 174 days at home, with no further medal entitlement.

Returning to farm work in South Devon he died at Dartmouth on 7 October 1938, aged 71.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (4) Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Belfast, South Africa 1901 (91658 Cpl. H. Kirsch, 42nd. Bty., R.F.A.);
Army LS&GC Ed VII (91658 Sjt: H. Kirsch. R.F.A.)

Herman Kirsch was born in Portsmouth and attested for the Royal Artillery as a Boy Soldier at Gosport on 29 July 1892, aged 14. He served with the 42nd and 69th Batteries in South Africa during the Boer War from 17 September 1899 to 29 October 1901, and also served overseas in India. Advanced Sergeant on 11 January 1904, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, with gratuity, per Army Order 94 of 1911. He was finally discharged in 31 July 1914, after 22 years and 3 days’ service.

There clasps listed on WO100/141p195. SA01 on WO100/142p218

The four Elandslaagte lots sold mostly quite well on Wednesday.

The group of 5 to Private T Matthews, Devonshires, sold for a hammer price of GBP 1,000. Total GBP 1,288. R 29,130. AUD 2,540. NZD 2,790. CAD 2,300. USD 1,600. EUR 1,470.

The group of 5 to Private Dudley, Devonshires, sold for a hammer price of GBP 420. Total GBP 541. R 12,230. AUD 1,070. NZD 1,170. CAD 970. USD 670. EUR 620.

The pair to Sgt Kirsch, 42nd RFA, sold for a hammer price of GBP 800. Total GBP 1,030. R 23,300. AUD 2,030. NZD 2,230. CAD 1,840. USD 1,280. EUR 1,180.

Driver Barrrey, 42nd RFA, sold for a hammer price of GBP 550. Total GBP 708. R 16,020. AUD 1,390. NZD 1,530. CAD 1,270. USD 880. EUR 810.