sabrigade Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 This is a recent purchase and addition to my collection of the Silver War Badge and related items. This is the first example that I have seen and I was unaware of the existence of this certificate confirming an award of the Badge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulsterman Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 That is interesting. I have seen certificates like this before for Canadians, but not for a South African.The low number of the badge seems to infer a South African list although the certificate itself seems of a generic imperial style.I wonder if there is a roll of these in Durban?Off to the GWF to snoop round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Stewart Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 Not unlike the SWB Certificate awarded to British troops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrigade Posted May 19, 2009 Author Share Posted May 19, 2009 Very similar, obviously used the British form as the baseline. Are the British Certificates rare? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Stewart Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 For some reason and despite the number issued they're far from being common. I can count the number I have in my collection on one hand in among over 100 sets of Discharge documents and most of those record them as discharged under Kings Regs Para 392(xvi) or 392(xvi)a as being "no longer physically fit for War service" i.e. discharged due to wounds or sickness, which would qualify for a SWB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Stewart Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 There seems to be slight differences even in our's and the print at the top left hand side probably indicates date and print run, i.e. 200,000 7/16. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Stewart Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 Another one seemingly dated 7/18 & 12/18 with 100,000 & 50,000 respectively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Hendey Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 WillI wonder if the V Clapham named on the certificate is the same as Vic Clapham, who was founder of the Comrades Marathon?For those who don't know, the Comrades Marathon is an annual race run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It was first run in 1921 to commemorate those who died in World War I. Although it now includes international professional runners, it still is mainly a race for South African amateurs and is noted for its good sportsmanship and mutual support amongst runners. It is due to be run again next Sunday. RegardsBrett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrigade Posted May 20, 2009 Author Share Posted May 20, 2009 Hi Brett,An excellent observation, now the quest begins!Thanks,Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrigade Posted May 20, 2009 Author Share Posted May 20, 2009 After a quick google search I see he was in East Africa and a member of 8SAI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulsterman Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 The numbers at the upper left-are those print job numbers with MOD authorization reg#s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Hendey Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 WillVictor Clapham was born in London. He died in Natal (?Pietermaritzburg) in 1962 and his death is recorded in the PMB Archives:NAB. MSCE. 3329/1962.I can ask someone to copy this death notice, if you want it.RegardsBrett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrigade Posted May 20, 2009 Author Share Posted May 20, 2009 Hi Brett,Thanks for the info, please it is very interesting and enlightening. I have requested his file from the Military Archives as well.Regards,Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Hendey Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 I think these certificates were known as "King's Certificates", at least in South Africa. I have a service card for a South African that carries the following note:Awarded Silver War Badge 4755 and King's Certificate 4643The man's medals came with the SWB, but the Certificate is missing.RegardsBrett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrigade Posted May 21, 2009 Author Share Posted May 21, 2009 Hi Brett,The King's Certificate is a seperate entity or item. This is an example of one of them.Regards,Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Hendey Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 WillThanks for putting me straight. I wish I had the King's Certificate for the man I mentioned. He was with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers during the Boer War and was wounded during the Battle of Colenso. He was a great research subject.I have ordered a copy of Vic Clapham's death notice for you.RegardsBrett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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