Queens South Africa Medal clasps Orange Free State, Transvaal (2933 PTE E. POOLE. RLY: PNR: REGT)
Edward William Poole had a short but interesting military career. He was born in Coleford, Gloucester on 25 February 1874 and enlisted with the Devonshire Regiment on 13 November 1891. Assigned no. 3367 he saw never to see any service abroad, being discharged as a "Dangerous Lunatic" on 10 February 1896.
He made his way to South Africa and saw service at the tail-end of the Anglo Boer War with the 4th Battalion, Railway Pioneer Regiment. Attesting with them at Pietermaritzburg on 12 April 1902 he made no mention of his previous service. The address he provided was 7 Ebberley Lawn, Barnstaple Devon - the same as that on his earlier attestation.
Poole was discharged at Kaalfontein on 15 July 1902. Returning to the United Kingdom, he became a Ships Painter (Foreman), moving to Newport in Wales where he settled down.
According to the 1939 Register he was a Ships Foreman Painter (Retired) living at 5 Palmyra Place, Newport.
Medal suspender is slightly slack. Sold with some research.
