Description Queen’s South Africa Medal, 4 bars, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Belfast, 2859 Private J. Gillon, 1st Bn Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, an Irishman from Raheny, Dublin. Officially impressed: “2859 Pte J. Gillon. 1st Rl. Innis: Fus:” With copy service papers, confirmed on the medal roll, later issued a loose Orange Free State for further service after the issue of the medal (posted to him in Nov 1902) had been made, being claimed during 1903. Also earned the KSA with both clasps for service in the rest of the war. Good combination of clasps in excellent condition. James Gillon was born in the suburb of Raheny, Dublin, Ireland circa 1867. At 22 years old after working as a Wine Porter, he signed on for active service on a 7/5 contract at Omagh for the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 22nd March 1889. James was one of those soldiers who by the time of the Boer War had long since finished his full time soldiering, having done his 7 years of active service, he was finishing out 5 years with the Army Reserve since 28th April 1906, when he was “rejoined the colours under Army Order 23 of 1898” on 18th July 1898. During his Army career he saw the following postings: Home, 19th March 1889 – 16th Dec 1889 East Indies, 17th Dec 1889 – 1st April 1896 Home, 2nd April 1896 – 4th Nov 1899 South Africa, 5th November 1899 – 5th Feb 1902 Home, 6th Feb 1902 – 18th March 1902. His papers recall the issue of the medal “I hereby acknowledge to have received the medal granted for service in South Africa” Signed for him at 15 Byrneshill, Dollymount, Dublin on 20th November 1902.
