Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902 GRENADIER GUARDS

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902. Clasp: Cape Colony,Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast. 7771. Pte. F.H.Parker. 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS.

Medal is in very good condition mounted swing style as worn , on original ribbon and rear pin assembly mount. Is entitled to a SOUTH AFRICA 1901 CLASP making a 6 Clasp Medal, however Clasp was  never issued or claimed by Parker.

Paperwork Full Service History & medal rolls confirm entitlement. 

GHOST DATES very clear to see on reverse. Being the earlier type medal. The dies were produced anticipating an early end to hostilities. The dates 1899-1902 were subsequently removed from the dies, still leaving a trace on the medal, this one in particular is very clear.

Frederick Henry Parker, born February 1880 in St.Mary’s, Nottingham. He enlisted in the 3rd Bn Grenadier Guards at Nottingham  on 30th November 1898, age 18, Trade Collier. Address 2 Pit Yard, Coalpit Lane, Nottingham. N.O.K. Mother Sarah Ann.

Frederick Parker had a late arrival in South Africa due to imprisonment in Gibraltar on the way and a subsequent return to England. He missed the Actions at Belmont and Modder River which were fought by the 3rd Bn Grenadier guards in October 1899. He also left South Africa earlier than the rest of the Battalion, serving in South Africa from 12th Febuary 1900 to 20th September 1901.

Frederick Parker was tried by REGIMENTAL COURT MARTIAL for “ resisting an escort”. For which he was convicted and served a total of 45 days in Prison from the 16th September 1899 until 31st October 1899.

Later he was serving with the 1st Bn Grenadier Guards where  he was tried again, this time by DISTRICT COURT MARTIAL for “ failing to appear at his place of parade”. And “ using insubordinate language”. He was convicted and served a total of 89 Days in Prison from 3rd July 1902 until 30th September 1902.

Frederick Parker soldered on and was discharged from the Army as “ Medically unfit for further service” on 2nd May 1903. His CONDUCT described as “BAD”  he had served a total service of 4 Years and 154 Days with The Colours, he was discharged from the 3rd Bn Grenadier Guards, on discharge returned back to His old address in Nottingham.

An interesting career of a man who served his country in his way, and interesting to me as a 3rd Generation Grenadier . My Grandfather had a matching number joined at the same time as Frederick Parker in the 3rd Bn Grenadiers , aged 15!!!  he to was sent back to England due to injuries in 1899, and would have been in 1st Bn at same time as Frederick Parker,  and he also returned to the 3rd Bn Grenadiers in 1901 to South Africa.