About the product

QSA HMS NIOBE Naval Brigade RM

Queen’s South Africa Medal, bar Cape Colony, George Coombes, Sergeant, Royal Marine Battalion, HMS Niobe. Part of the Naval Brigade on shore.

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SKU: J7260 Category:
Origin: United Kingdom
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Description

Queen’s South Africa Medal, bar Cape Colony, George Coombes, Sergeant, Royal Marine Battalion, HMS Niobe. Part of the Naval Brigade on shore.

 

Some light contact wear, naming officially impressed: “G. Coombes, Sgt R.M.L.I. H.M.S. Niobe”

 

About 660 medals were issued to HMS Niobe, with 129 earning the medal with Cape Colony bar for service on shore.

 

During the Boer War HMS Niobe was at first sent to Gibraltar to escort Troop Transports ferrying reinforcements to the Cape.
On 4th December 1899 the Niobe and Doris rescued troops from SS Ismore, which had run aground.

 

Boer-War.com has a copy of an excellent photograph of the Marines of HMS Niobe cheering news from the front at Cape Town, circa 1900 which can be viewed by clicking here

 

By the time of the Boer War, Sergeant Coombes, had long since been awarded his Naval Long Service Medal (during 1894), having already seen almost 16 years of service.

 

He served on the Niobe from 23rd September 1899 until 8th December 1901, throughout the ship’s service in the Boer War, before returning home to the Plymouth Division on 9th December 1901.

 

George Coombes on the 7th May 1865 in Alton, Hampshire.

 

He first attested for service with the Royal Marines on 7th January 1884.

 

He saw numerous ship postings over his long service, earning a Victorian Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 27th April 1894 when he was serving with Plymouth Division.

 

Served on HMS Niobe from 23rd September 1899 – 8th December 1901.

 

Finished off his service on 11th January 1905, having completed his 21 years of service, shown as Very Good – Exemplary character.

 

During 1939, he was living at 4 Portland Road in Plymouth, described as a “Royal Marines Pensioner” with his wife Elsie B. Coombes.