Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902. Silver issue with 7 x clasps, 'Relief of Kimberley', 'Paardeberg', 'Driefontein', 'Johannesburg', 'Diamond Hill', 'Belfast'& 'South Africa 1901' (23773, Sapr. E. A. Burbidge. R.E.)

The top clasp only attached with local rivets - and typical for the later issued date clasps - all 7 x clasps confirmed as entitled & issued per the respective regimental QSA medal roll of the Royal Engineers

Recipients correct surname 'Burbidge', sometimes erroneously rendered in documents as Burbridge (sic)

Rarity: An extremely scarce verified 7 x clasp QSA Medal awarded to a British soldier. By comparison the 'estimated' numbers of multi-clasp medals issued (to British, Empire, Dominion and South African units) was:

- 9 x Clasps: x 40
- 8 x Clasps: x 215
- 7 x Clasps: x 916 
- 6 x Clasps: x 5056

Medal & Clasps Verification: Medal & 7 x clasps verified - and the recipient's only medal entitlement - the medal and all 7 x clasps enumerated in the recipients extant service papers, and per the following  referenced medal roll of the Royal Engineers:

- QSA medal with 6 x battle clasps:WO 100/160. Roll signed & dated Middelburg, Transvaal, 31/07/1901
- QSA clasp only 'South Africa 1901': WO 100/160. Roll signed & dated Aldershot, Hampshire, England, 09/11/1902

The referenced medal roll shows that Sapper Burbidge served with the 1st Field Troop, Royal Engineers in South Africa 1899-1901, during the South African War

The recipient's service papers are extant - under surname Burbridge (sic) - and are accessible at The National Archives  - with the medal and all 7 x clasps shown therein as recipients medal entitlement

Edwin Arthur Burbidge - a 'Kentish Man' - only son of George Edward Burbidge (a Blacksmith) & Elizabeth Burbidge (nee Stedman) was a native of, Hoo near Rochester, Kent, England, where he was born on, 1 June 1872. By trade a 'Shoeing-Smith', Edwin claimed to be 18 years of age, when on 29 May 1889, he enlisted at Chatham, Kent, England, for service with the British Army, on a 'Short Service Engagement ' (7 years 'With the Colours' & 5 years with the 'Army Reserve'). On joining the British Army, Edwin was posted to the Royal Engineers with which Corps he held the skilled trade of 'Shoing-Smith', and became a qualified superior 'Carriage-Maker Superior' with effect from 23 August  1892. Edwin was re-called from the Army Reserve on, 7 October 1899, for full-time military service. Edwin's record of Army Service was:

- Home: 29/05/1889 - 31/10/1889
- South Africa: 01/11/1899 - 08/10/1901 (served during the South African War with 1st Field Troop Royal Engineers)
- Home: 09/10/1901 - 30/04/1902

In total Edwin served 12 years 337 days with the British Army. 

On 13 March 1898, Edwin married Louisa Jane Coulter at Faversham, Kent. The couple were subsequently blessed with 5 x children (3 x daughters & 2 x sons). At the time of the compilation of the National Census for England & Wales in 1911, Edwin described as a 'Smith & Wheelright' was residing with his family at London Road, Larkfield, Kent. By the time of the compilation of the National Register for England & Wales in 1939, Edwin was then a widower and described as a 'Blacksmith (Retired)'. Edwin Arthur Burbidge is recorded at have died at his residence located at Rowley House, London Road, Larkfield, Kent, on 5 October 1945  

An extremely scarce confirmed 7 x clasp QSA to the QSA medal to the Royal Engineers

Condition: VF

Code: 26158