About the product

QSA Oxfordshire Light Infy Local Man

Queen’s South Africa, 3 bars, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, 4477 Pte James Keys, Oxfordshire Light Infantry.

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SKU: J7673 Category:
Origin: United Kingdom
Nearly Extremely Fine

Description

Queen’s South Africa, 3 bars, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, 4477 Pte James Keys, Oxfordshire Light Infantry.

 

James Keys, born locally in Middle Aston, Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Attested for service aged 18 on 12th July 1893, having been a member of the 4th Bn Oxfordshire Light Infantry Militia.

 

He served throughout his 12 years with the 1st Battalion Oxfordshire L.I.

 

He saw the following service:

 

Home, 12th July 1893 – 21st Dec 1899
South Africa, 22nd Dec 1899 -15th Sept 1902 (Recalled from reserves)
Home, 15th September – 11th July 1902.

 


A youthful indiscretion with a local girl landed him 13 years of garnished wages to support a child whilst a young Private.

 

Banbury Beacon, 23 February 1895:

 

“AFFILITATION ORDER – An order in bastardy for payment of 1s 6d per week towards the support of the illegitimate child of Sarah Ann Golder, Middle Barton, Single Woman, was made upon James Keys, late of Middle Aston, labourer, until the Child is 13. Defendant, who is on furlough, being a private in the 43rd Oxfordshire Light Infantry, attended and denied the paternity.”