South Africa Medal 1877-79. With clasp '1879' (C/2925. 2nd Corpl W. Rawlings. A.S. Corps.)

Medal(s) and clasp verification: The recipient No. C/2925 2nd Corporal - later Staff Quartermaster Sergeant - Walter Rawlings, Army Service Corps, is confirmed being entitled to the 'South African 1879' medal, as well as the below following medals per the respective referenced medal rolls and army order:

- South Africa Medal 1877-79: WO 100/47 confirms entitlement to medal, & recipients extant service papers refer to entitlement to the clasp
- Egypt & Sudan Medal 1882-1885. Reverse date 1882, With clasp ;The Nile 1884-85: WO 100/60 & WO 100/67. Served No. 8 Company 1882
- Military Long Service & Good Conduct Medal: Army Order No. 347 of 1890
- Khedives Star with obverse date 1882: Reference the recipients extant service papers service papers refer

Note the medal roll shows entitled to a no-clasp medal, however the recipients service papers (a good set) specifically has entries showing under campaigns the one word entry 'Zulu', and below under medals 'Medal & Clasp For South Africa 1879'. On another page in his service papers under campaign is entered 'South African 1879' and for medal 'South African 1879'. Basis the varied service papers entries, the recipient evidently served and was entitled to the medal and clasp for 1879, for his services in the 'Zulu War'. The medal and clasp - equally toned - and exactly as issued to the recipient

Walter James Rawlings, son of Frederick John Rawlings, was a native of Paddington, London, Middlesex, England, where he was born circa 1854. Walter enlisted in the British Army at Westminster (Fleet Street), London, on 24 May 1872, at which time he was described as a 'Baker' by trade and was 18 years of age. On joining the British Army, Walter was posted to the Army Service Corps, and given the regimental number 2925. After completing his training, Walter, was posted to the 'Supply Branch' of the A.S.C., where he held the trade of 'Baker'. Walter subsequently served a total of 21 years and one days 'With the Colours', and held the rank of Staff Quartermaster Sergeant when he took his final discharge on 24 May 1893. Walter's record of postings / deployments during his 21 years service were:

- Home: 20/05/1872 - 03/10/1878 (6 years 133 days)
- South Africa: 04/10/1878 - 01/12/1881 (3 years 55 days)
- Home:02/12/1881 - 10/08/1882 (252 days)
- Egypt: 11/08/1882 - 31/08/1885 (3 years 21 days)
- Home: 01/09/1885 - 24/05/1893 (7 years 266 days)

The recipients service papers are extant and accessible at The National Archives

Condition: VF

Code: 24934