Queen's South Africa Medal. Silver issue with 2 x clasps 'Relief of Kimberley' & 'Paardeberg' (6345 Pte. J. McEwing. Gordon Highrs:)

Mounted Infantry: The clasp 'Relief of Kimberley' was reportedly only awarded to men of the Gordon Highlanders 'Mounted Infantry'

The recipients extant service record shows that the recipient subsequently qualified for a Mounted Infantry Certificate at Bulford Camp on, 9 July 1903

Medal(s) & Clasps Verification: The recipient's entitlement to the QSA & both clasps, together with a King's South Africa Medal with two clasps is this confirmed per the respective campaign medals rolls referenced below:

- QSA Medal with 2 x clasps: WO 100/203 medal roll 1/Gordons signed Pretoria, South Africa, 23/08/1901
- KSA Medal with date clasps: WO 100/343 medal roll 1/Gordons signed Glasgow 10/11/1902

James McEwing, son of Patrick McEwing (resident of New Mills, Balerno, Midlothian, Scotland) was a native of the parish of, Juniper Green, Colinton, Midlothian, Scotland, where he was born circa, 1879. James was 18 years 2 months of age when he enlisted for the British Army at, Glencorse, Midlothian, Scotland, on 12 January 1898, and was posted to the Gordon Highlanders. Prior to joining the British Army, he had been employed as a 'Labourer'. His terms of engagement were seven years 'With the Colours' and 5 years on the Army Reserve. After completion of his basic training, James was posted to 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders. His subsequent 12 years service, were spent in the following locations:

- Home: 12/01/1898 - 08/11/1899 (1 year 301 days)
- South Africa: 09/11/1899 - 21/10/1902 (2 years 347days)
- Home: 22/10/1902 - 11/01/1910 (7 years 82 days)

The recipients 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)

A very scarce 2 x clasp combination to the Gordon Highlanders

Condition: VF

Code: 24751