QSA 20th Imperial Yeo

[cazack]

Hi all

 

just been trying to research a few of my QSA and have just started on a  QSAM BWM, VM group as I am still new to collecting QSA medals

is it common for only 1 person to be issued a clasp in a company  /battalion?

It was issued to:

Lieut Eric George JEFFREYS, 87th Company, 22nd Battalion, he also served in the 20th Battalion 

He joined as a Pte, March 1900 then promoted to L / Cpl in July 1900, then commissioned to Lieut in March 1901

He was listed severely wounded in Heckpoort (I think ) 16th September 1900

what I found interesting is he was the only person in the 87th Company to be issued the South Africa 1901 clasp if I have read the medal rolls correctly

He went on to serve with the Northumberland Fusiliers in WW 1

 

C

 

[QSAMIKE]

First name(s)	Eric George
Last name	Jeffreys
Service number	14560
Rank	Lance-Corporal
Regiment	20 Battalion Imperial Yeomanry
Year	1899-1902
Biography	-
Event detail	Wounded Severely on 16/09/1900 at Hekpoort
Event unit	20 Battalion Imperial Yeomanry
Gazetteer	[2526: 2554-2737] a farm and postal agency in the South African Republic (Krugersdorp district; Gauteng), 25 km north of Krugersdorp. At the time of the war, the route from Krugersdorp* to Hekpoort was through Zeekoehoek*. Burghers from the area formed themselves into a commando. In an effort to contain the commando of Asst Cmdt-Gen J.H. de la Rey, Maj-Gen R.A.P. Clements' column moved from Commando Nek (1)* down the valley of the Magalies River (often referred to as the Hekpoort Valley) to Hekpoort on 3 September 1900 and patrolled the surrounding Magaliesberg* and Witwatersberg in the following months. In December 1900, the forces of Lt-Gen Sir J.D.P. French and Maj-Gen R.A.P. Clements joined forces at Thorndale* in the Hekpoort Valley to expel some of de la Rey's commandos northwards through Breedts Nek*. On 30 July 1901 during a routine sweep a patrol of four men of the 1st Dragoons were captured in rough and broken country. HMG III pp.235 and 498 (map no.38),IV p.21 (map no.59). WO108-372
Event source	SAFF
Country	Great Britain
Literary references	The National Archives WO128. Imperial Yeomanry, Soldiers' Documents, South African War.
Notes	[The National Archives WO128. Imperial Yeomanry, Soldiers' Documents, South African War.] QSA Clasps: CC,OFS,T,SA01
Record set	Anglo-Boer War Records 1899-1902
Category	Military Service & Conflict
Subcategory	Boer Wars

[peter monahan]

"is it common for only 1 person to be issued a clasp in a company  /battalion?"

I bow to Mike's superior knowledge on thi, as I can't find references to the '1901' clasp in the regulations, but it may be that his being wounded qualified him for the clasp and that the rest of his unit did not complete the necessary service period [30 days?] to get the same clasp.  

It is the case for WWI and WWII medlas that the service period was usually '30 days' but being wounded qualified one immediately.  QSAMike, similar rules here?

[QSAMIKE]

6 minutes ago, peter monahan said:

"is it common for only 1 person to be issued a clasp in a company  /battalion?"

It is the case for WWI and WWII medlas that the service period was usually '30 days' but being wounded qualified one immediately.  QSAMike, similar rules here?

Good Morning Peter......

The bars on the QSA can be confusing with the exception of the 1901 and 1902 bars they are straight forward …..  The Army Order reads:

A clasp, "South Africa 1901" to all who served in. South Africa between January 1^st 1901, and December 31^st, 1901, both dates inclusive, a clasp "South Africa 1902" to all who served in South Africa between January 1^st, 1902 and May 31^st, 1902, both days inclusive.

To read it literally if you served One day you rec'd the bar.....    

A number of men volunteered to stayed in SA after their original Imp. Yeo. units went home after their 1 year service and were used as a core of experienced people to new units that came from the UK.....   

And I quote:

Second Contingent.

Spring 1901. 16,597 men, of which only 655 re-enlisted from First Contingent, formed in UK, some forming new companies, others replenishing old companies as they returned from South Africa.

Apr 1901. As the First Contingent Imperial Yeomanry returned from South Africa, the part-time Yeomanry Cavalry in the UK were reorganised as 'Imperial Yeomanry' in mounted infantry regiments of 596 all ranks (four squadrons and a machine gun section). They were equipped with carbines and bayonets, but swords were later permitted for certain ceremonial and escort functions.  Some of the new regiments were raised from South African veterans.

Third Contingent.

Dec 1901. 7,239 men arrived in South Africa 1902. The last contingent of Imperial Yeomanry from South African War were disbanded.  The Yeomanry were integrated into the Territorial Force, dropping the 'Imperial' title, and many reverted to their traditional cavalry roles.

Since your man was commissioned I would think he stayed behind or joined the second contingent....

Mike 

[cazack]

Hello Peter and Mike

 

thanks for the information appreciated,

I am happy that I have this small group in my collection of growing QSA medals

 

Regards

C

[QSAMIKE]

For your information.....

Here you go all 26 bars......

Mike

 

 

 

[cazack]

Hi Mike

 

great collections something for me to aspire to

 

regards

C

[QSAMIKE]

Czack…...

If you are really into the QSA and the Boer War my suggestion is that you take a look at or even possibly join th following forum......

www.angloboerwar.com

Mike