Description
Queen’s South Africa Medal, 3 bars, Talana, Orange Free State, Tranvsaal, 4805 Drummer John McAleer, Royal Irish Fusiliers, taken prisoner at Nicholson’s Nek on 30th October 1899.
Officially impressed: “4805 DR: J. MC’ALEER, RL, IRISH FUS:” One slight edge bump otherwise excellent unworn condition.
An early issue of the QSA, visible ghost dates and large style impressed naming.
Entitlement to medal and bars confirmed on the medal roll, also earned the King’s South Africa Medal with 2 bars.
Provenance, DNW June 2006 & later Historik Orders December 2006.
Serving with “A” Company, 1st Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers, he was taken as a Prisoner of War by the Boers in action at Nicholson’s Nek on 30th October 1899.
Spending almost a year in captivity, he was released at Nooitgedacht on 5th September 1900.
John McAleer was a career army Musician, being first appointed on 9th September 1896 as a Drummer, seeing all his overseas service as a Drummer of 1st Battalion, only reverting to Private in late 1902 when discharged to the Army Reserve.
With copy service papers.
Saw the following Army service over 16 years:
Home, 15th January 1894 – 25th January 1895
East India, 26th Jan 1895 – 20th Dec 1897
Egypt, 21st Dec 1897 – 29th Sept 1899
South Africa, 30th Sept 1899 -15th Sept 1902
Home, 16th September 1902 – 14th Jan 1910. With Army Reserves.
John McAleer was born circa 1875 in Shankhill, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, Now Northern Ireland.
First joined up with the 4th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles Militia before signing on for full time service on 15th January 1894 aged 19.
Posted to 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers on 26th January 1895 he saw all his overseas service with the 1st Battalion until he returned back to the depot in 1902.
