TOPIC:

Here is the group to E C Barclay:



BEM (Military) GVI (163151V Staff-Sgt Ernest C Barclay, MPC)
QSA (3) CC, OFS, Trans (34783 Pte, 67 Coy, Imp Yeo)
KSA (2) SA 01, SA 02 (renamed)
1914-15 Star (Sgt, 2nd SAH) (renamed)
BMW (Sgt 2nd SAH)
Victory Medal (Bil) (Sgt 2nd SAH)
1939-45 British War Medal
Africa Service Medal (163151 E C Barclay)

It is possible (probable?) that Sgt. Barclay was not entitled to either the KSA or the 1914-15 Star.

On his attestation form for the S.A. Expeditionary forces dated January 1916 Ernest Charles Barclay indicates that he served with the Imperial Yeomanry during the Boer War and in the Rebellion, N.P. presumably during 1914-15 (this would not have entitled him to the 1914-15 Star). He was discharged from service in April 1917.



S/Sgt Barclay was a Detective in the SAP and was posted to No 5 Garr. Prov. Coy. in Durban. The award of the BEM was presented to him at Government House, Pretoria on 20th October 1944.

This group needs some further investigation but the combination of BEM and QSA is unusual.

Hello David,

A very interesting man with an impressive rack of medals albeit that two seem self awarded.

David on the picture of the man in question is that the Natal 1906 ribbon before the 14-15 Star ribbon?

Perhaps another medal self awarded or perhaps missing from the group??

Regards

Adrian

Hello David

QSA + BEM = unusual and very nice, well done.

Like Adrian I was wondering which rebellion, you write "Rebellion, N.P." - I take NP to be 'Natal Police'?

As to his KSA presumably his WO128 papers show when he was in SA. His QSA ought to have SA01 and SA02.

Given the steely glint in his eye I don't think I would challenge him! I did some research on a Chief Constable who wore a self-awarded KSA in uniform.

Regards
Meurig

Meurig,

You are quite right about that glint, he reminds me of my old RSM in the SAAF. I was petrified of ending up on the wrong side of him even though I was a Sarge at the time.

P/S I like his goggles.

Regards

Adrian

Meurig, Adrian,

The ribbon does look like the 1906 Medal. I have been through the published roll for his name across all units and any similar surnames for the Natal Police, both without success.

Having, by this time already added two medals to his group, perhaps he didn't feel any guilt in augmenting his medals ribbons too but you would have expected some consistency in his approach?

Best wishes
David