A South African soldiers Great War 'East Africa' Campaign 1916-18, medal pair with companion 'Silver War badge: Lance-Corporal A. F. Soffe, 9th South African Infantry

- British War Medal. Silver issue (L/Cpl A. F. Soffe 9th S.A.I.)
- Union of South Africa: Bilingual Victory Medal (L/Cpl A. F. Soffe 9th S.A.I.)
- Silver War Badge (No. SA 8764)

Reverse of the South African issue Silver war Badge complete with original long hinged pin and clasp fittings, as-issued

The 9th South African Infantry was raised in 1915, for overseas service outside of the Union of South Africa with the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force. The unit embarked overseas in 1916, for destination East Africa where it was to serve in the German East Africa Campaign 1916-18. The 9th South African Infantry suffered appalling casualties in theatre, suffering in particular from tropical diseases and sickness, of which 'Malaria' afflicted almost all members of the unit. In February 1916, the 9th South African Infantry began the campaign with 1,135 'All-Ranks, but by October 1916, was down to an active strength of just 116 x 'All-Ranks', by which time the majority of losses were due to prolonged illness, from Malaria, Yellow Fever, Tsetse Fly and the dreaded Black Water Fever - which latter was a certain death sentence for those unlucky enough to have contracted it

The medals retaining their original silk 'moire' ribands, now thread stitched and as-worn by the recipient

Condition: GVF

Code: 24341