Description
Queen’s South Africa, 2 bars, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, 5022 Private John William Prince, 17th Lancers.
John William Prince, born during 1882 in Lewisham, Kent, attested for service with the 17th Duke of Cambridge’s Own Lancers on 30th October 1899 at the age of 17 and 10 months. He had served with the 2nd London Rifle Volunteers and requested to join the Lancers of the Line.
He served in South Africa for the Boer War for 1 year from 3rd March 1901, until 4th March 1902 when he returned home.
On 9th July 1902 he was suddenly discharged as medically unfit for further service.
He remained in Lewisham and worked as a Grocer and Post Master for many years, as late as 1939, and appears to have also served in WW1 at home with the A.A. Battery Royal Garrison Artillery.
