Description
Queen’s South Africa, 2 bars, Laing’s Nek, Belfast, 34860 Driver W.A. Smith, Royal Field Artillery.
Officially impressed: “34860 Dr W.A. Smith R.F.A.”
Confirmed on the medal roll, with these 2 bars for service with the “3rd Local Ammunition Column”, which remarks he was also entered on the roll of the 4th Division Column as well.
Original silk ribbon, unusual entitlement of clasps.
Earned his KSA for further service with 81st Battery R.F.A.
Some edge bruising and contact marking.
William Ashford Smith, born in Tiverton Devon.
Signed up aged 18 years 10 months old, having worked as a “Labourer in Telegraph Works.” on 8th May 1899.
Saw the following postings:
Home, 8th may 1899 – 20th March 1900
South Africa, 21st March 1900 – 22nd Jan 1906
India, 23rd January 1906 – 5th Nov 1908
Home, 6th November 1908 – 7th May 1911.
Arrived in South Africa, having joined the R.F.A. in South Africa on 8th March 1900.
Noted as posted on 5th May to the “Indian Ammunition Column?”
Posted to 81st Battery on 16th October 1901.
Discharged after his 12 years were completed on 7th May 1911.
During the First World War, he appears to have managed to get a military exemption from service.
The Aldershot News, 2nd November 1917 notes:
“CAMBERLEY TRIBUNAL
Other Decisions
William Ashford Smith, 37 (A), Married, Bootmaker, residing at Frimley Green, was given condition exemption, the Military Representative assenting.
He died many years later in Southampton, during 1971, aged about 91.
