THE Q.S.A. AWARDED TO PRIVATE G. HAYWARD, 1ST BATTALION KING’S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS, WHO WAS COURT-MARTIALED AND “DISCHARGED WITH IGNOMINY” IN 1901, ONLY TO RE-ENLIST WITHIN THREE WEEKS INTO ANOTHER REGIMENT, THE ROYAL IRISH RIFLES.

THE Q.S.A. AWARDED TO PRIVATE G. HAYWARD, 1ST BATTALION KING’S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS, WHO WAS COURT-MARTIALED AND “DISCHARGED WITH IGNOMINY” IN 1901, ONLY TO RE-ENLIST WITHIN THREE WEEKS INTO ANOTHER REGIMENT, THE ROYAL IRISH RIFLES. Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902, type 3, 4 clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, officially impressed (1052 Private, King’s Royal Rifle Corps). Attractively toned, light scratch in field in front of Queen’s face, otherwise Almost Extremely Fine.

With photocopied extract from QSA medal roll, which notes that Private Hayward was “discharged with ignominy” on 1st April 1901. However, roll also notes that he somehow managed to rejoin the army with remarkable speed using an assumed name, Robert Bradley, and re-enlisting just three weeks after being discharged, on 23rd April 1901, as 6320 Private R. Bradley. Royal Irish Rifles. Using that assumed name Hayward continued to serve with the Royal Irish Rifles up to and including the outbreak of WW1, as a private with the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. He subsequently saw service during WW1 as G/12 Private, 1st Garrison Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers and 40023 Sergeant, 2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment.

Recipient’s Queen’s South Africa Medal was originally forfeit as a result of his dishonourable discharge, but medal roll notes that it was later restored and forwarded for issue to the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles on 15/9/1911.

For his services during WW1 recipient was also awarded a 1914 Star and Bar trio (medal accompanied by photocopied Medal Index card).

Recipient of this medal not to be confused with 3099 Private R. Bradley of the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, who also served during the Boer War but was a different man entirely.