Queens South Africa Medal clasps Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (MR. G. STAYT. A.S.C.); Kings South Africa Medal clasps South Africa 1901 & 1902 renamed and not entitled to (CONDR. G. STAYT. 6TH CO. A.S.C.); 1914-15 Star (CPL. G.M. STAYT. S.A.E.C.); British War Medal (CONDR. G.M. STAYT. S.A.S.C.); Victory Medal (CONDR. G.M. STAYT. S.A.S.C.) - note that the Natal clasp is a copy and that the recipient is only entitled to the Transvaal and Relief of Ladysmith clasps.
George Moore Stayt was born in Bourton on the Hill in the Cotswolds in 1866. He had moved to South Africa by the outbreak of the Anglo Boer War in which he served as a Conductor in the 6th Company of the Army Service Corps. He additionally served in WWI as an Engineer with the South Africa Engineer Corps in German South West Africa, going on to serve as a Conductor with the South African Service Corps with the Animal & Remount Transport attached to 12 South African Infantry Battalion in German East Africa.
Stayt wrote home which letter appeared in the Cheltenham Chronicle of 31 August 1912. In "News From "Chronicle" Readers Abroad" - "Letter from a Gloucestrian in the Transvaal", he wrote as follows:
"To the Editor of the "Chronicle" - Sir, Seeing that you invite correspondence or photos from distant sons and daughters of Gloucestershire, I am sending a few photos of the district in which I am now prospecting for copper. As this is a fever district, my wife can only come up here for three months in the year. At present she is up on a visit from Durban with her sister. There is every sort of game here, including lions, leopards and hyenas. In No 2 photo you will see my wife, who has just shot two wart hogs, a species of wild pig. You can see the bullet marks in each.
I was born at Bourton-on-the-Hill, and have been from there 33 years, and have lived in Canada, Australia, and 22 years in South Africa - "God's country." I am at present close to the Limpopo River which divides the Transvaal and Mashonaland. My nearest neighbour is 18 miles and post office 50, so that I am fairly out of civilisation. Good luck to the old paper.
George Stayt, Manager Matamba Minerals Co. Ltd. Matamba via Louis Trichardt, North Zoutpansberg, Tranvsvaal."
He was invalided out of the service in 1916, the medical report stating that he was suffering from rheumatism and arthritis - dating back from his days in the Boer War in 1901. He was awarded the Kings Certificate and Silver War Badge SA 2817 - this corresponds with the number on his service card.
He committed suicide (Gunshot to the head) in 1961 at the age of 94, almost blind and in pain, he left a note to his daughter Alice "Nature is taking too damn long."
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold together with copied service papers and research. Sold with SA-issue Silver War Badge no. SA 2817, an SAEC shoulder title and a Pro Patria medallion awarded by the Durban Recruiting Committee. See C1002487a for son's medal.
