Rare double issue of the QSA: 255 Corpl. R. Hesom Natal Carbnrs.

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QSA 3 bars: Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, 255 Corpl. R. Hesom Natal Carbnrs.; QSA one bar: Natal Guide R. Hesom F.I.D.; 
1915-15 Star Lt R. Hesom S.A.S.C.T.&R.; BWM; AVM (bilingual) Lt R. Hesom.; 
Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal (bronze)

 

The second QSA skimmed and officially re-impressed, a rare double issue of the QSA. 
Ex City Coins Lot 541, Auction 59 Nov 2009.

 

Robert Hesom, who was named after his uncle, was born in Dundee Natal. Son of George Thomas Hesom on 13 October 1873. The “Natal Who's Who 1906” page 
91 details his biography- King's, Queen’s, and Diamond Jubilee medals. Assistant Manager, Geo. North, and Son, Maritzburg. 
Married 22 July 1905, Ida Constance Bowen, of Bilston, Staffordshire.

 

Educated Maritzburg College. Hobby: small patents. Won 1st prize for the smartest turn out in N.C 1896. Represented same Regiment at the Diamond Jubilee. Elected Squadron Leader, 1st Reserves, 1906. Address 307 Prince Alfred Street, Maritzburg. 

Robert Hesom was part of the Natal Carbineer contingent and rode behind Queen Victoria’s carriage on the occasion of her Silver Jubilee. While in England, he met his future wife, Ida. Her father, Bernard Maxim ‘Benny’ Bowen (born Bilston, Staffordshire in 1864), had been in 3rd Dragoon Guards but immigrated to Natal and became Regimental Sergeant Major of the Natal Carbineers in 1896. 

Robert Hesom served in the Natal Carbineers during the Boer War. Present during the siege of Ladysmith he took part in the successful attack on Gun Hill on the night of 7/8 December 1899. According to Sir George White's despatches: “On the night of the 7th.December, Major General Sir A. Hunter, K.C.B., D.S.O., made a sortie for the purpose of destroying the Boer guns on Gun Hill, which had been giving us much annoyance.” A wellresearched group.