Description
Queen’s South Africa Medal, 2 bars Cape Colony, Orange Free State, King’s South Africa, confirmed single bar, South Africa 1902, 4346 Drummer Albert Easty, South Staffordshire Regiment.
QSA officially impressed: “4346 Drmr: A. Easty, S. Stafford Regt.”
KSA officially impressed: “4346 Dmr: A. Easty. S. Stafford: Regt.”
Some slight bending to suspension and bar of KSA and typical contact marking and wear throughout a long career.
A very rare confirmed instance of the issue of a King’s South Africa Medal, with only one bar, which could only occur on special occasions since usually a single bar would be issued to be worn with the Q.S.A.
Served in South Africa twice with the rank of Drummer from 17/03/1900 to 24/07/1900 and again from 09/04/1900 to 03/06/1904, causing the most unusual issue of his Single Bar medal.
The 1st Bn South Staffords was present in South Africa arriving as part of the 8th Division during March 1900, however his early return is unexplained and possibly he was invalided home from an injury or disease, throughout the campaign the regiment suffered greatly from disease and poor nutrition.
Albert Edward Easty was born in St Pancras, London, during 1879, the son of William E. East described as working in “Horse Hunting.” into a large family where he was the youngest of 5 by 1881.
At the young age of only 15 years and 6 months, he attested for service at London requesting to join the South Staffordshire Regiment having been a Musician on 29th October 1894.
He began his service with 1st Battalion as a Boy, being appointed as a Drummer on 28th July 1895, attaining the age of 18 on 29th April 1897.
He was mobilised for overseas service in South Africa where he served there from 17th March 1900 until 24th July 1900.
Returning home from 25th July 1900 until 8th April 1902.
He would again return to South Africa for further service from 9th April 1902 until 3rd June 1904.
Whilst in South Africa he finally graduated from being a Drummer to become a Lance Corporal followed by Corporal during 1903.
He was promoted to Sergeant on 12th August 1805 which he served as until his discharge.
From 4th June 1904 he finished out his service at home being discharged on 25th April 1910 having served 15 years 179 days.
