Description
Queen’s Mediterranean Medal 1899-1902, 752 Private F. Crawley, 3rd Militia Bn Royal West Kent Regiment.
Officially impressed: “752 Pte F. Crawley. Rl: W. Kent Regt”
Confirmed on the medal roll as a member of the 3rd (Militia) Bn Royal West Kents.
The Royal West Kents earned the scarce “Mediterranean” Medal for being deployed to fill gaps overseas as the Army were moved over to South Africa, the 3rd Royal West Kents set off in early 1900 for Malta, they went out particularly early and became the “First Militia Battalion to be sent abroad since the Crimean War, the men were a little disappointed as they volunteered for South Africa wanting to fight but were passed over to fill the gaps in “The Mediterranean” stations.
The departure of his unit is mentioned in the Eastern Evening News, 4th Jan 1900:
“MILITIA OFF TO MALTA, CAPTAIN KENNEDY GOING
The 3rd Militia Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment, 1000 strong, bound for Malta, and the 9th Company R.E., numbering over 200, bound for South Africa, left Chatham this morning.
The former sail from the Royal Albert Docks, and the latter from Southampton.
The 3rd Royal West Kent Regiment will be the 1st Militia Battalion sent abroad since the Crimean War.
The greatest disappointment has been felt by officers and men at the destination being Malta instead of South Africa, as had been hoped, the whole battalion having volunteered for active service.
Captain J H Kennedy, Chief Conservative Agent for the Eastern Counties, goes with the 3rd Royals, of which he is Senior Captain.”
