PRIVATE R. SHELLY, 2ND BATTALION EAST SURREY REGIMENT. Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-190

PRIVATE R. SHELLY, 2ND BATTALION EAST SURREY REGIMENT. Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith (officially impressed: 5497 Pte R. SHELLY, 2nd E. SURREY). Trace of ghost dates visible on reverse, Extremely Fine.

Medal accompanied by photocopy of relevant extract from Medal Roll confirming recipient entitled to QSA with 2 clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith. Roll additionally states that recipient “died 1/3/00”. Private Shelly died on the day after the 28th February 1900 Relief of Ladysmith. Although not listed in the officially published casualty roll, the regimental history confirms that 5497 Private R. Skelley (note different spelling of surname, but same regimental number) died of wounds. Private Shelly was mortally wounded during the actions on and around Pieter’s Hill, 18th – 27th February 1900, as General Buller’s relief column made the final breakthrough to relieve the besieged garrison in Ladysmith.. Between 18th and 27th February inclusive the 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment lost 1 officer and 26 other ranks killed and 6 officers and 159 other ranks wounded. Of the wounded other ranks, five, including Private Shelly, succumbed to their wounds.