QSA + 4 to Bawcombe Essex Regiment.

A Boer War Queens South Africa medal correctly named to 3717 Private William Bawcombe of the 2nd battalion Essex regiment. It has four clasps correctly attached for Orand Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 01 and South Africa 02.
William Bawcombe came from West Ham, then on the eastern most side of London in the county of Essex and born in the December of 1 873.
He was employed as a Carman, probably a delivery or goods diver for the railway of a company in his area. At the age of 19 years in 1892, he enlisted into the Essex regiment at the Warley barracks in Brentwood, the home of the Essex regiment, so he must have particularly desired to join the Essex.
He spent almost a year at home training before being sent to India in November 1893 where he spent nearly 9 years, until December 1901 when his battalion was shipped to South Africa. They arrived in Durban where they marched to the Orange River Colony. The Regiment was asked to improve defences by construction of blockhouses under cover from cavalry units. This was surprisingly dangerous work as the Boers constantly harassed them with lightning raids and by driving cattle and animals through the buildings.
During 1902 the 2nd battalion were placed under the command of Brigadier General E O Hamilton for duty on the blockhouse line east of Tafel Kop, in the north-east corner of the Orange River Colony. During January and February 1902 great cattle and supply drives were taking place in the district, which made the holding of the containing lines difficult as there was almost constant skirmishes from the Boers.
William returned home on the 14th of August 1902 after serving 162 days in South Africa. He was finally discharged from the army in the February 1903.
He later married Hester Annie and in the 1920’s they both worked for Ladies Blouse manufacturers.
This medal is in excellent original condition and comes with copies of service papers and medal roll for the QSA confirming clasps.

Code: 29227