Description
Queen’s South Africa, 2 bars, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, 5572 Private Benjamin Marks, 3rd Militia Battalion, Royal Lancs Regt, with service records.
Officially impressed: “5572 Pte B. Marks, Rl: Lanc: Regt”
Confirmed on the medal roll for the medal with both clasps.
Also earned the matching King’s South Africa medal with the 2 date clasps.
Sold with copies of his Militia service records.
Mr Benjamin Marks, enlisted in his local Militia, the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Lancaster Regiment on 3rd November 1897.
During the Boer War, he was embodied for service in South Africa on 23rd November 1900.
He embarked for South Africa on 12th February 1900.
Later discharged upon his return home, on 12th January 1902.
During the Boer War, the 3rd and 4th Militia Battalions of the regiment were mobilised for active service, following the initial reports of defeats and the struggle in the Boer War.
The King’s Own Museum notes that:
“The 3rd and 4th Militia Battalions were employed guarding lines of communications. In two notable actions the 3rd Battalion – at Zand River, in June 1900 – and the 4th Battalion – at Fish River Station, in February 1901 – both held out against superior Boer forces.”
The Battle of Zand River, was fought by the regiment on 14th June 1900.
In memory of the services, a large silver cup was presented to the regiment by Colonel B.N. North and other officers of the 3rd Battalion Royal Lancs, inscribed on the cup was the services of the unit.
Benjamin was born in Keswick, Carlisle, Cumberland circa 1879.
He was living in Barrow, Lancashire where he worked as a Foreman Boiler Maker in the Ship Yard when he joined the Militia aged 18 on 3rd November 1897.
