King's South Africa Medal 1901-1902. With 2 x clasps 'South Africa 1901' & 'South Africa 1902' (4018 Pte. T. Hill. A. and S. Highrs.)

Note: The KSA is named precisely as transcribed from the KSA medal roll, with typo 'T' (sic) instead of forename letter 'F' - the naming officially impressed and as issued

Wounded at Modder River: Private Thomas Hill 2nd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders is confirmed having been 'Severely' Wounded-in-Action, at Modder River, Natal Colony, South Africa, on. 28 November 1899

Modder River: The losses of the 1st Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders at Modder River were nearly double those of any other battalion engaged, being an estimated 20 x 'Other Ranks' killed & 2 x Officers & 93 x 'Other Ranks' wounded

Medal & clasp verification: Medal & clasp entitlement confirmed per the respective campaign medal roll of the 1st Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, reference WO 100/346, that was compiled and signed at Longmoor Camp, on, 30 July 1903. In addition to the KSA medal, Private Hill was also entitled to a QSA Medal with 3 x clasps 'Modder River', 'Cape Colony' & Transvaal' (ref WO 100/206), and had previously qualified for an India General Service Medal 1895-1902, with clasp 'Punjab Frontier 1897-98' (ref WO 100/89), the latter earned while serving with 2nd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Francis Gregory Hill, son of James Hill (resident of, 4 Farmer Street, Kensington, London), was native of, Kensington, London, Middlesex, where he was born on, 15 February 1872. Previously employed as a 'Carman', Francis was 19 years & d 2 months of age, when he enlisted in the British Army at, St. George's Barracks, London, on, 4 May 1891, on which date he was posted to the Regimental Depot of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Francis had contracted to serve 7 years 'With the Colours', and 5 years on the 'Army Reserve', and took his final discharge from the British Army on, 3 May 1903. During his service, Francis had the distinction of seeing active service with both regular battalions of the Argylls. Firstly, after completing his basic training at the Regimental Depot in Stirling, he was posted to , 2/Argylls (the descendent unit of 'The Thin Red Line') with which unit he served, 18 May 1891 to 8 April 1897, during which time he served overseas in British India for 7 years & 69 days. Secondly, he was recalled from the Army Reserve in 1899, and posted to 1/Argylls, with whom he served overseas in South Africa for 2 years & 287 days. During the South African War, Francis was 'Wounded-in-Action', at the battle of Modder River - the first major action fought by the Argylls during the South African War. Francis too his final discharge from the British Army on, 3 May 1903

On return to his roots in, Kensington, L,ondon, Francis married in, 1906 ,to, Minnie Esther Caldicott. By the time of the 1911 National Census he is recorded employed as a a 'Motor Driver'. The 1939 National Register for England & Wales records Francis and his wife, residing at, 14 Victoria Gardens, Kensington, London, and described as a retired 'Confectioner'. Francis Gregory Hill is recorded to have died at his home in, London, England, on 25 January 1947.

The recipients service papers are extant and are held & accessible at The National Archives

Condition: GVF

Code: 22228