A confirmed Mons Campaign 1914 'Old Contemptibles' medal group of 3: Private James Richard Hamilton 1st Battalion Scottish Rifles (Cameronians)

- 1914 Star. With original dated clasp '5th Aug - 22 Nov 1914' (5030 Pte. J. Hamilton, 1/Sco: Rif.)
- British War Medal. Silver issue (5030 Pte. J. Hamilton. Sco. Rif.)
- Interallied Victory Medal (5030 Pte. J. Hamilton. Sco. Rif.)

The original dated clasp stitched by thread on the riband of the 1914 Star

Medals and Clasp Verification: All medals and clasp confirmed as entitled per the respective campaign medal rolls of the Scottish Rifles (Cameronians) per below referenced medal roll. He was also additionally entitled to a Silver War Badge:

- 1914 Star. With original dated clasp: WO 329/2448. Shows disembarked France, 22/08/1914
- British War Medal: WO 329/1119. Shows service with 1/Scottish Rifles (Cameronians)
- Interallied Victory Medal: WO 329/1119. Shows service with 1/Scottish Rifles (Cameronians)
- Silver War Badge (No. 33362): WO 329/3029. Enlisted 21/08/1894, discharged 20/08/1916

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

The recipients service papers (a good detailed set) are extant and accessible at The National Archives

James Richard Hamilton, son of James Hamilton, was a native of Middlesex, England, where he was born in 1876. By trade a 'Bricklayers Labourer', James enlisted for the British Army at Stratford in the Thames Recruiting Area, England, on 21 August 1894, at which time he was 19 years & 6 months of age. Prior to joining the Regular Army, James had served as a Volunteer with the 5th (Militia) Battalion Royal Fusiliers. On enlistment he was posted to the Scottish Rifles (Cameronians) and given the regimental number 5030. James Hamilton saw considerable overseas service during his subsequent 22 years army service, including below:

- Home: 21/08/1894-16/12/1895. 1 year 118 days
- India: 17/12/1895-14/12/1909. 13 years 363 days
- South Africa & Mauritius: 15/12/1909-11/03/1912. 2 years 87 days
- Home: 12/03/1912-13/08/14. 2 years 155 days
- British Expeditionary Force 'France & Flanders: 14/08/1914-18/12/1914 (127 days)
- Home: 19/12/1914-20/08/1916: 1 year 245 days

James Richard Hamilton was 41 years and six months of age, when he took his final discharge from the British Army, at Nigg, Ross-shire, Scotland, on, 20 August 1916. At discharge, at the end of his second period of engagement, James had completed 22 years service, and his Military Character was described as 'Very Good', and that his intended place of future residence was shown as:

28 Parnell Road
Bow
London

Condition: VF

Code: 24793