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An interesting QSA came recently to hand; enigmatically impressed to "E.Shaw F.I.D." and bearing the clasps TH/RofL/OFS/LN/TV. FID medals are a weakness of mine and - as this example bore clasps which predated the formation of the FID - the term "previous service" came quickly to mind.
The Buxton FID account only gave E.Shaw's rank as "Agent or Guide" and that he served in the Pretoria and Northern district. The FID roll, however, gave Shaw's previous service as being "369 TMI" (better and better) and other sources disclosed that he had enlisted in B Coy of TMI, earned the shown clasps and had served between 30101899 and 05091900. Even more intriguing were certain references to E.Shaw in "Thorneycroft's Unbuttoned" - however I am getting ahead of the story.
Peterinkent provided a copy of E.Shaw's TMI enlistment paper - and Edward Shaw had disclosed previous service with the Pretoria Carbineers during the First Boer War, 1880-1881. During the 100 day siege of Pretoria, the Pretoria Carbineers were "a hundred horses strong", wore civilian dress and were usefully identified from the enemy by distinctive red pagris. They took part in three raids/ops against the besiegers (really "blockaders") and were highly regarded.
No campaign medal was awarded for the 1880-81 war; however, it is possible that a muster roll of the PCs exists and it could reveal more. In any case, the siege dragged on with the besieged unaware of the developments on the Natal border. Word of the Peace terms only arrived on 28031881 and upon receiving the news, the volunteers characteristically burned an effigy of Prime Minister Gladstone. The regulars present (including one Lt. Alex Thorneycroft) doubtless felt similarly. Many civilians chose to leave for good. It appears that Edward Shaw remained.
Following the Boer invasion of Natal in October 1899, several volunteer units were formed; one such -the "Proposed Uitlander Corps" - commenced recruiting on 13101899. It is likely that Edward Shaw had left his Pretoria home as a refugee and was avid to return. His service with TMI commenced 30101899 and it may be no coincidence that he joined a unit commanded by a fellow veteran of the Pretoria siege of nineteen years earlier.
There is little point in covering again the exploits of the TMI in the Natal campaign; sufficient to say they more than earned their clasps. It is, however, possible to pinpoint 369 Tpr. E. Shaw of the TMI at an iconic moment of the ABW; the ill fated assault on Spion Kop.
Prior to the actual assault, Col. Thorneycroft recce'd the proposed ascent path and at 10.30PM of the same evening, the TMI led the way and "Thorneycroft's Unbuttoned", using the Thorneycroft archive, informs us that 369 Pte E.Shaw was one of a small party of five accompanying their CO when it reached the base of the hill.
What followed has been the subject of debate and examination ever since. The TMI did better than most on the shell-and-bullet-swept summit and - happily - Edward Shaw was not numbered amongst the casualties of that dreadful day.
As mentioned previously, Edward Shaw was discharged from the TMI at his own request and joined the newly formed FID. As he is not listed as being awarded a date clasp nor a KSA, it is assumed that his FID service did not extend beyond the end of 1900. Exactly why his QSA was issued named to the FID - rather than the TMI - is a mystery; as is the fact that the medal bears no rank or title. Were such details unknown when the roll was prepared?
Thanks to all who have read this far.

Very nice Ian - a good bit of research to pick this seemingly innocuous medal out. Well done.

Ian

Thank you for an interesting account of a man and his medal. This is a QSA that would be a great addition to any collection. Being able to confirm Shaw's presence on Spioenkop, even though he was not a casualty, makes the medal a great rarity.

Regards
Brett

Meurig and Brett
Thanks for the kind remarks. I always get a kick out of fleshing out something like Edward Shaw's medal; alas, all to infrequent.
Best regards
IL.

Hi Ian

Congratulations on a great piece of research!!

In the "tongue-in-cheek" words of the late Dr Frank Mitchell when he was shown an excellent medallic item : "That I could covet!!"

Henk

PS I have one SAGS medal to an officer who was in the Siege of Pretoria.
Can the rules be bent to include threads on the 1st Boer War and, perhaps, the Jameson Raid?

Henk
I understand that our host, djb, did expand our Area of Operations to include the Jameson Raid and since ABW-1 did inflame the passions for ABW-2, it might also figure. I have a nice pair to feature on the next anniversary of the JR.
Thanks for your comments.
IL.