Queens South Africa Medal. Silver issue with 3 x clasps 'Modder River' 'Orange Free State' & 'Transvaal' (5149 Corl. J. Mc'Nair, A. & S. Highrs:)

Wounded-in-Action: Corporal James McNair is confirmed being '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: The medal and all 3 x clasps verified as entitled (ref WO 100/206) per the medal roll entry page signed and dated, 26 February 1901. He was additionally also entitled to the 'South Africa 1901' clasp, which latter clasp was listed on a supplementary roll page (ref WO100/206) signed and dated 29 July 1903. Whether the latter clasp was ever physically issued or received by the recipient is unknown

James McNair, the son of James McNair, a British soldier, was born in, Frensham, Farnham, Surrey, England, in 1875. A 'Bricklayer' by occupation, he was also a former volunteer soldier, citing service with 3rd Battalion West Surrey Regiment. James attested for full-time service with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders at Aldershot on 20 June 1894. He subsequently served with 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in the East Indies, December 1895-October 1896, and later transferred to the 1st Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, with which unit he served in the South African War, between October 1899-August 1901. While serving with the 1st Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, he was 'Wounded-in-Action' at the battle of 'Modder River', 28 November 1899. Returning to England he was discharged as medically unfit on 15 May 1902

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

Condition: GVF

Code: 22860