QSA with Elandalaagte and Defence of Ladysmith clasps (HIGHLY COLLECTABLE)

85311 Gunner Samuel Gerrard

QSA and clasps confirmed on copy of Roll page signed by Major Ouseley,
Date June 1901, Place Machadodorp.

Samuel Gerrard was born in October 1870 in Glasgow, Scotland. He attested into the RFA on the 24th June 1891 at the age of 21 years and 8months. He was 5ft 6inches tall and had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. Distinctive marks were a small mole on his left elbow. At the time of attestation his trade was given a Labourer.

Gerrard served 9 years and 136 days with the colours before being discharged as medically unfit. He served in:

England from 24/06/1891-10/03/1892
India from 11/03/1892-16/09/1899
South Africa 17/09/1899-12/08/1900
England 13/08/1900-06/11/1900

He held a 2nd class certificate of Education and passed the Board test as a Shoeing Smith.On the same day he was appointed as such. He reverted back to Gnr on the 08/07/1895. He was promoted Corporal Shoeing Smith on the 01/02/1899 but once again reverted back to Gnr on the 05/03/1900.

The 42nd Battery was in Ladysmith at the out brake of hostilities and was in action at Elandslaagte and then during the Defence of Ladysmith. Gerrard did not move with the Battery into the Eastern Transvaal as he was invalided back to England on the 12/08/1900.

He was discharged on the 06/11/1900 as medically unfit for further service. The reason given was DELUSIONAL INSANITY.

Although he served in India for 7 1/2 years this QSA was his sole entitlement.