TOPIC:

exyeoman,

That was a well-spotted MM/QSA group.

It hammered at £2,200.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

[ MM ]
QSA (4) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5599 Pte. W. Hubbard. Rl: W. Kent Regt.);
[ 14 Star trio ]

MM London Gazette 21 December 1916.

William Hubbard was born in Bermondsey, London, in 1882, and attested in his home city for the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment on 7 September 1899. Posted to the 2nd Battalion he served in South Africa from 1 September 1901 to 4 November 1902, followed by two years in Ceylon. Discharged 6 September 1911, he joined the Royal Field Artillery less than two weeks later, witnessing serving in France from 19 August 1914 as part of the British Expeditionary Force. Posted as Gunner to 41st Battery, RFA, 31 March 1915, he was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during the Battle of the Somme and was discharged at Dover on 15 February 1919.

Another MM. QSA combination to
SGT. (5674) Arthur Handley
bn. Trefechan, Aberystwith, Cardingshire, around 1880, enrolled in the Militia at Welshpool, on the 27 March 1897; 2907, 4th battalion South Wales Borderers), joined the regular army at Shrewsbury on the 29 July 1898, discharged to the army reserve on the 13 October 1902: WW1 service from the 23 October 1914; Wounded in action France 1 December 1917;
awarded the Military medal on the 14 May 1919: discharged from the army 6 May 1919; MM. QSA medal with clasps: CC./Pard./Dri./Tran./ KSA medal 1901-02 clasps, War & Victory medals
although I have the Gaxette page I have not found how he won his MM.

(5674) Arthur Handley 2ND Shropshire L.I.,
bn. Trefechan, Aberystwith, Cardingshire, around 1880, enrolled in the Militia at Welshpool, on the 27 March 1897; 2907, 4th battalion South Wales Borderers), joined the regular army at Shrewsbury on the 29 July 1898, discharged to the army reserve on the 13 October 1902: WW1 service from the 23 October 1914; Wounded in action France 1 December 1917;
awarded the Military medal on the 14 May 1919: discharged from the army 6 May 1919; medal entitlement MM. QSA medal with clasps: CC./Pard./Dri./Tran./ KSA medal 1901-02 clasps, War & Victory medals
Service papers medal rolls

From the November 2025 Noble Numismatics auction

QSA (4) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (1229 Pte J. Banham. 13th Coy 5th Imp. Yeo:);
MM GV (M2-055475 Cpl J.Banham. M.T. No. 15 D.T.A.S.C.);
1914-15 Star; (M2-055475 Cpl J.Banham. A.S.C..);
BWM and VM (M2-055475 Cpl J.Banham. A.S.C. );

Noble Numismatic say 'All medals impressed. Swing mounted out of order, ribbons damaged, contact marks, otherwise fine - very fine.'

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

MM GV (4122 Sjt: W. M. White. 1/S.A. Inf:);
QSA (5) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, date clasp block loose on riband (99 3rd. Cl. Tpr: W. M. White. S.A.C.);
British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (C.S.M. W. M. White. MM 1st S.A.I.);

Memorial Plaque (William Mark White)

MM London Gazette 12 November 1918.

The original recommendation by Lieutenant Colonel H W M Bamford, MC, Commanding South African (Composite) Battalion, states: ‘In the attack and capture of Meteren on 19th July, 1918, this NCO took command when two Platoon Commanders had become casualties. By his gallant leadership the objective was gained and consolidated, under his supervision. Relieved later of his command by an officer, Sergt. White was ordered to carry an important message. He was severely wounded en route, but pluckily continued his journey and delivered his message.’

William Mark White was born in Scotland on 12 February 1880, the son of Mr. J. White of 1 Douglas Place, Galashiels, on the Scottish Borders. He served in the South African Constabulary as 3rd Class Trooper during the Boer War, and was later promoted to the rank of 2nd Class Constable on 1 February 1904; employed as a military force during the campaign, the SAC fought with distinction and had the second highest casualty rate of any British or colonial regiment whilst engaged in field operations and attempts to man the Blockhouse lines. Transferred to the Pretoria District in 1905 and Transvaal Depot in 1907, White is stated in his Record of Conduct and Service (SAC) as: ‘A good shoeing smith & a very steady man’. Raised to the rank of Constable, he was discharged at Durban on 31 November 1907, his conduct noted as exemplary.

Briefly returning to life as a farmer, White volunteered his services at the outbreak of the Great War and attested for the 1st South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 2 September 1915. He disembarked at Alexandria on 1 February 1916 and was transferred to Marseilles on 20 April 1916. Appointed paid Lance Corporal 4 August 1916, his army service record states that he was thrice wounded on 10 February 1917, 9 April 1917 and 27 July 1918 - the latter occasion resulting in a severe injury to his right buttock. Notified of the award of the Military Medal in August 1918, White returned to the Western Front and was advanced Acting Company Sergeant Major. He was killed in action less than two months later; aged 38 years, he is buried in Reumont Churchyard in the Nord region of France, one of just 11 identified casualties in this cemetery.

Sold for a hammer price of GBP 2,200. Total GBP 2,834. R 62,710. AUD 5,400. NZD 5,920. CAD 4,880. USD 3,480. EUR 3,290.