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South Africa 1853 Cape Mounted Rifles

South Africa Medal, 1853, for the Frontier Wars, George Hicks, Cape Mounted Rifleman, former 12th Lancers, with whom he first came to South Africa.

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SKU: J7001 Category:
Origin: United Kingdom
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South Africa Medal, 1853, for the Frontier Wars, George Hicks, Cape Mounted Rifleman, former 12th Lancers, with whom he first came to South Africa.

 

George Hicks was born in Marylebone, London about 1827.

 

Having worked as a Printer, at the age of 20 he attested for service with the 5th Dragoon Guards on 1st September 1847.

 

Following 3 years and 273 days of home service, he transferred to the 12th Lancers on 1st June 1851.

 

He then set sail with the 12th Lancers arriving in East London, Eastern Cape during October 1851 to fight in the 8th Xhosa War.

 

By 1st November 1853, he joined the Cape Mounted Riflemen, the regiment was due to move on to India, but he and a number of other men were given the choice to stay, so he joined the Cape Mounted Riflemen.

 

He saw another further 11 years and 153 days of service with the C.M.R. taking his discharge at Grahamstown on 20th January 1859 having finished his terms of service.

 

Having spent almost 15 years in the harsh experience of the treacherous colony in South Africa, he could next be found back in Marylebone on the 1861 Census as 33 year old Porter of Wine Bottles living at 9 Walmer Street with his wife Mary.