*A Boer War D.C.M. and Long Service Group of 6 awarded to Sergeant A. J. Spurdle, 17th Field Company, Royal Engineers, comprising: Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (16787 Serjt: A. J. Spurdle. R.E.); Egypt & Sudan, 1882-89, single clasp, Suakin 1885, undated reverse (16787 Sapr. A. J. Spurdle. 17th Co. R.E.); Queen’s South Africa, 1899-1902, 2nd type reverse with ghosted dates, 6 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (16789. Serjt: A. J. Spurdle. R.E.); King’s South Africa, 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (16787 Serjt: A. J. Spurdle. R.E.); Army Long Service and Good Conduct, V.R., swivel type suspension (16787. Sgt. A. J. Spurdle. R.E.); Khedives’ Star, 1884-6, unnamed as issued; Group loose, a few marks and tiny nicks, otherwise about extremely fine (6). M.i.D.: London Gazette: 17 June 1902. D.C.M.: London Gazette: 26 June, 1902. Sergeant A. J. Spurdle served with the 17th Field Company, Royal Engineers during the Egypt & Sudan campaign, and was present at Suakin between 26th March 1884 and 28 February 1885. He also served during the Boer War with the same unit, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. While citations for this award are not available, we know that the 17th Field Company was engaged at Tugela Heights, and performed good work during operations in and around Ladysmith. They are recorded as having prepared gun positions, repaired bridges, dug trenches, and repaired damaged railway line. Sergeant Spurdle served for long enough (and with sufficient good behaviour) to also receive his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Offered with some copied paperwork confirming his campaign medal entitlement.
Estimate: £1400-£1800