India General Service Medal 1895. Silver issue with 3 x clasps 'Relief of Chitral 1895', 'Punjab Frontier 1897-98' & 'Tirah 1897-98' (3441 Pte W. Smith, 1st Bn. Gord: Hrs.)

Upper clasps all attached by rivets

Medal(s) & clasps verification: Private William Smith's 's entitlement to the awards of the India General Service 1895 and South African War Medals with respective clasps is confirmed per the below cited regimental campaign medal rolls of the Gordon Highlanders:

- IGS 1895 clasp 'ROC': Ref WO 100/78 compiled and signed at Gharial, British India, 1 July 1896
- IGS 1895 2 x clasps 'PF' & 'Tirah': Ref WO 100/89 latter compiled and signed at Gharial, British India, 5 August 1898. With remark 'To A.R.'
- QSA 5 x clasps 'CC', 'Paard', 'Drief', 'Joh' &'Belf': Ref WO 100/203 compiled & signed at, Pretoria, South Africa, 23 August 1901
- KSA with 2 x SA 01/02 clasps: Ref WO 100/343 latter compiled and signed at, Glasgow, Scotland, 10 November 1902. With remark 'To Army Reserve'

Storming of the Dargai Heights 1897: 2 x Victoria Crosses were awarded to men of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders (vis Piper George Findlater and Private Edward Lawson) for their conspicuous gallantry at the storming of the 'Dargai Heights' on 20 October 1897, during the Tirah campaign. Piper George Findlater, though seriously wounded (shot in both feet - and unable to walk), remained in the open fire-swept battleground, piping his comrades to victory to the skirls of the regimental march 'The Haughs O' Cromdale'

William Smith was a native of, Forfar, Forfarshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1871. By occupation a 'Labourer' he claimed to be 19 years & 6 months of age, when he enlisted for service with the British Army, at, Dundee, Scotland, on, 11 August 1890. Prior to joining the regular army, William cited prior volunteer service with 3rd (Milita) Battalion Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). On the same day he enlisted he was posted to the Gordon Highlanders (the regiment of his choice), where he trained at the Regimental Depot located in Aberdeen. After completion of his basic training, he was, on, 20 November 1890, posted to 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders. William subsequently transferred to the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, on, 26 February 1892, with which battalion he embarked for overseas service in British India, where he experienced combat on the North West Frontier of India, firstly during the Relief of Chitral, 1895, and secondly during the 'Frontier Disturbances' of 1897-98, in particular in the Tirah Campaign during which his regiment won undying fame and two Victoria Crosses for their gallantry at the 'Storming of the Dargai Heights'. On 3 April 1898, William 'transferred' to the Army Reserve - and a brief return to civilian life. He was mobilized from the Army Reserve on, 9 October 1899, on which date he 'Re-joined the Colours', and returned to his old corps, the Gordon Highlanders. He embarked for the South African War on, 9 November 1899, where he served for 2 years 227 days. William Smith took his final discharge from the British Army on, 10 August 1902, by which date he had completed 12 years service with 'The Colours' and on the Army Reserve. Most of his service was spent in British India, where he had served for 6 years & 31 days

The recipient's record of service was:

- Home: 11/08/1890 - 25/02/1892
- British India: 26/02/1892 - 28/03/1898
- Home: 29/03/1898 - 08/11/1899
- South Africa: 09/11/1899 - 23/06/1902
- Home: 24/06/1902 - 10/08/1902

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

A desirable multi-clasp IGS 1895 medal, to a 'Jock' serving in the most decorated British infantry regiment of the North West Frontier campaigns of 1895-1898

Condition: About VF

Code: 23807