Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, S.A. 1902 (17194. Pte. J. R. Irons. R.A.M.C.)

Medal & Clasp Verification: The medal and clasp to Private Hobson is confirmed as entitled per the respective campaign medal roll for the Royal Army Medal Corps and R.A.M.C. Militia:

- QSA Medal with clasps 'Cape Colony' & 'South Africa 1902': WO 100/219 the medal roll compiled at the War Office on, 5 May 1904

John Edward Rick Irons, son of Edward Hollis Irons (a Pork Pie Maker') & Elizabeth Irons (nee Rick) was a native of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England, where he was born circa 1882. He was 20 years of age. and prior employed as a 'Engine Cleaner' when he enlisted in the British Army at Bedford on 6, February 1902. He joined the British Army under terms of Army Order 96 of 1901, which was a 'One Year Short Service Engagement'. John was posted to the Royal Army Medical Corps on 6 February 1902 and subsequently served overseas in South Africa from 6 March 1902 until 8 November 1902. John took his final discharge from the British Army on 14 November 1902. By the time of the 1911 National Census for England and Wales, John was described employed as a 'Master Baker', married and residing at Watford, Hertfordshire. Evidently a man of considerable ability, he was subsequently described as a 'Company Director' and resident in Twickenham, London, when as a widower, he married for a second time in 1921. John Edward Rick Irons s recorded to have died at London, England, on 19 November 1944. His last will and testament shows that he left an estate of value just over GBP 10720 - a considerable sum of money for 1944!

A 'Master Baker' of renown, the newspaper 'The Citizen' issue of 22 November 1944, carried the below syndicated notice following his death

Quote

Won 7,500 Awards

Mr. John R. Irons, a former president of the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners & Caterers, and winner of 7,500 award in bakery competitions, has died.

Unquote

The recipients service papers (WO/97 file series) are extant and accessible at The National Archives

Condition: About VF

Code: 25231