A South African Infantryman's group of 6 Second World War campaign stars and medals: G. E. Aitchison, Royal Durban Light Infantry, late 2nd Battalion Royal Durban Light Infantry

- The 1939-45 Star. No clasp (2138 G. E. Aitchison)
- The Africa Star. No clasp (2138 G. E. Aitchison)
- The Italy Star (2138 G. E. Aitchison)
- Defence Medal(2138 G. E. Aitchison)
- War Medal 1939-45 (2138 G. E. Aitchison)
- Union of South Africa: Africa Service Medal (2138 G. E. Aitchison)

Important: All of the medals are officially impressed South African 'Pretoria Mint' issues

The recipients unique service number is confirmed as being in the block 2301 - 2700 that was allocated to the 2nd Battalion Durban Light Infantry

As 2nd Battalion Royal Durban Light Infantry, serving with 4th South African Brigade, was captured at the fall of Tobruk in 1942, the recipient was either amongst the fortunate survivors of the 2/RDLI, who made their way back to British lines, and or had transferred to another battalion / regiment serving in North Africa (1st Battalion Royal Durban Light Infantry served in theatre with the 3rd South African Brigade)

Note: South African personnel of the Second World War era retained the same unique service number that they received on enlistment for the rest of their career, irrespective of any subsequent services to other units, or promotions

The recipients surname indicates a South African of British or Irish descent

Royal Durban Light Infantry: The Regiment was formed on the 24th May 1854 and gazetted on 27th January 1855. In 1859 it became the Durban Rifle Guard and the Royal Durban Rifles in 1873. In 1889 it merged with the Maritzburg Rifles and became the Natal Royal Rifles (Left Half Battalion) and in 1895 it became the Durban Light Infantry. In 1912 the unit became known as the 1st Infantry (Durban Light Infantry). In 1935 the Regiment was awarded. 'Royal' status and became known as the Royal Durban Light Infantry, which it title it retained until 1961

During the Second World War, the Royal Durban Light Infantry provided two battalions for field service. The 1st battalion served in the 3rd South African Infantry Brigade in North Africa while the 2nd battalion was part of the 4th South African Infantry Brigade which formed part of the ill fated Tobruk garrison. The RDLI saw active service throughout North Africa and later during the Italian campaign. For their combined services during the Second World War, the Royal Durban Light Infantry received the below following battle honours:

- Western Desert 1941–43
- Bardia
- Gazala
- Alamein Defence
- Alamein Box
- El Alamein
- Italy 1944–45
- Casino II
- Florence
- Gothic Line
- Monte Stanco
- Monte Pezza
- Sole/Caprara
- Po Valley

The group mounted in the swing-style, and as-worn by the recipient. The medals suspended from their silk ribands from a white-metal mounting bar, this retaining its long hinged pin and clasp fittings

Condition: VF

Code: 24077