A late Victorian era campaign medal group of 3 for the North West Frontier of India and South African War: Corporal Robert Montgomery, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, late 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders

The group comprises;

A). India Service Medal 1895. Silver issue with 2 x clasps 'Punjab Frontier 1897-98' 'Tirah 1897-98' (5289 Pte. G. Montgomery 1st Bn. Gord: Hrs.)

B). Queen's South Africa 1899-1902. Silver issue with 2 x clasps 'Defence of Ladysmith' 'Transvaal' (5289 Pte. G. Montgomery. Gordon Highrs:);

C). King's South Africa Medal 1901-02. With 2 x clasps 'South Africa 1901' 'South Africa 1902' (5289 Corpl.: G. Montgomery. Gordon Highrs:)

Note: All medals and clasps verified per the respective campaign medal rolls of 1st & 2nd Battalions Gordon Highlanders as under;

- IGS medal: Ref WO 100/89 the medal roll 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders
- QSA Medal: Ref WO 100/203 the medal roll of 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders
- KSA Medal: Ref WO 100/343 medal roll 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders

George Montgomery, son of John Montgomery (Foundry Worker) & Mary Jane Montgomery (nee Dorman) was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born on 22 February 1871. At the time of the 1891 census he was living at home with his parents residing at, 15 Old Dumbarton Rd, Bridgeton, and his occupation was described as a lace factory shuttler. George enlisted in the British Army on 2 January 1895, and was posted to the Gordon Highlanders. At time of enlistment he was just one month short of his 24th birthday, and described himself to have been employed in civilian life as a 'Weaver'. In 1901 he elected to extend his term to 12 years 'With the Colours, 10 of which he served variously overseas in India, and in South Africa

During his service with 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders in India, George would most likely have been present, in the 'Storming of the Dargai Heights' on, 20 October 1897, whereat, Piper George Findlater and Private Edward Lawson of the battalion each won the Victoria Cross for their conspicuous gallantry during the battle

George was discharged 5 days after returning home in 1907. On June 24, 1907 he married Jane Laird (nee McDermid), a 32 year old widow. At the time, his occupation was that of a general labourer and he lied once again about his age, stating he was 32. He was admitted to Chelsea, 14 Aug 1941 and a death certificate indicates he died at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow on 26th June, 1944 of bronchial carcinoma. At the time of his death his occupation was a warehouse porter

Provenance: Ex Christies, March 1987

Condition: About GVF

Code: 23446