A PLEASING FOUR CLASP QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL & 1914 Star & Bar Trio. To: 5894. Pte J.W. FELTON 2nd East Surrey Regt
&
(L.5894.1st East Surrey Rgt during WW1
(Fought with Cpl Albert E.Curtis V.C. during the action to rescue Colonel Harris at Onderbank Spruit)


[BIOGRAPHY]
James William Felton was born in Hampstead, London (St Pancras) Middlesex in September 1879. He joined the army at London on 2nd January 1899 at age 19 years & 4 months. He had previously worked as a Carman (A Horse & Cart Delivery Driver). By the end of 1899 he is seen suffering from rheumatism. He served for just over one year in South Africa with 2/East Surrey Regt during which service he witnessed Cpl Albert Curtis of Dorking win his Victoria Cross for rescuing Colonel Harris the units C.O. under close heavy enemy fire. He landed in India on 24th January 1903 and served there for almost eight years until 1911. Although shown as being fit for continued service to 12 years in 1906 he is recorded in 1908 as suffering from malaria. Remaining in the service he is seen landing in France on the very early date of 16th August 1914. He served throughout the Great War and was discharged from his second period of engagement on 17th May 1920. With 21 years & 50 days of service there could have been a long service & good conduct medal, but owing to several problems with his behaviour this wasn't granted.

[CONDUCT & CHARGE SHEET]
Woking. 22.10.99 'overstaying his pass ..by three days !
( Four days loss of pay ...7 days confined to barracks )

Dublin. 8.10.01 'breaking out of barracks & remaining absent until apprehended by military police / improperly dressed & interfering with the military police'.
( Ten days confined to barracks )

Dublin. 31.10.01 'Two cases of Assault'
( 42 Days Civil Imprisonment )

An interesting and important "Boer War V.C. action & Old Contemptible" group of four with photograph of the recipient and his unit & many copy attestation, conduct and service papers, MIC etc. An excellent group for the keen local surrey collector. EF & Swing mounted on original ribbons.

£695