Queen's South Africa Medal. Silver issue with 3 x clasps 'Cape Colony', 'Orange Free State' & 'Transvaal' (3244 Pte. R. Thompson. Gordon Highrs: M.I.)

The recipient served with the 3rd (Militia) Battalion Gordon Highlanders attached to the 22nd Mounted Infantry

Medal & Clasps Verification: No. 3244 Private Robert Thomson Gordon Highlanders Mounted Infantry is confirmed entitled to the medal and all 3 x clasps per the respective campaign medal of 3rd Militia Battalion Gordon Highlanders who served with the 22nd Mounted Infantry, as referenced below:

- QSA Medal & 3 clasps: WO 100/203. Roll signed in-the-field, Lotzdam, South Africa, 09/10/1901

Robert Thomson, was a native of the parish of St. Cuthbert's, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, where he was born circa 1882. By trade a 'Plumber' Robert was 18 years 1 month of age when on 5 January 1900, at Edinburgh, he enlisted for the Militia of the British Army, and was posted to 3rd (Militia) Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders. At the time of joining the Militia, his residence was shown as, 5 Newport Street, and that his place of employment was located at, 34 Haymarket Terrace. Prior to joining the Militia, Robert was already a serving volunteer with the 1st Edinburgh City Artillery Volunteers. No. 3244 Robert Thomson was appointed Lance-Corporal, 19 September 1900

The recipients Militia service papers are extant and are held & accessible at The National Archives

Gordon Highlanders 1899-1902: The Gordon Highlanders had the distinction of being the most decorated infantry regiment of the British Army for their service during the South African War, where both regular battalions (and several Volunteer Service Companies) earned the below following battle honours, as well as 6 x Victoria Crosses

- Defence of Ladysmith (2/Gordons)
- Paardeberg (1/Gordons)
- South Africa 1899-1902

- Captain Matthew Fontaine Maury Meiklejohn (2/Gordons, for Elandslaagte, 1899)
- Sergeant-Major William Robertson ( 2/Gordons, for Elandslaagte, 1899)
- Captain Ernest Beachcroft Beckwith Towse (1/Gordons, for Magersfontein, 1899)
- Lance-Corporal John Frederick Mackay (1/Gordons, for Crows Nest Hill, nr Johannesburg, 1900)
- Captain William Eagleson Gordon (1/Gordons, for action nr Krugersdorp, 1900)
- Captain David Reginald Younger (1/Gordons, for action nr Krugersdorp, 1900 - a posthumous award)

Condition: GVF

Code: 24749