Queens South Africa Medal clasps Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (3392 PTE. W.J. MCFARLANE. YORKSHIRE REGT.); Kings South Africa Medal clasps South Africa 1901 & 1902 (3392 CORPL. W. MCFARLANE. YORK. REGT.); 1914-15 Star (1767 SJT. W.J. MCFARLANE. NOTTS. & DERBY. REGT.); British War Medal (1767 SJT. W.J. MCFARLANE. NOTTS. & DERBY. REGT.); Victory Medal (1767 SJT. W.J. MCFARLANE. NOTTS.& DERBY. REGT.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal GVR (4961068 W.O. CL.II. D.W.J. MCFARLANE. 6-FORESTERS.); Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal EVIIR (3392 SJT DMR. W.J. MCFARLANE. YORK. REGT.); Meritorious Service Medal GVIR (3392 SJT. W.J. MCFARLANE. GREEN HOWARDS.)
William John McFarlane was born on 31 July 1876 in Cork, Ireland. Aged 11 he attended the Hibernian Military School until 9 July 1891 when he enlisted with the Yorkshire Regiment as a Boy at the age of 14 years 11 months. He was appointed Bandsman on 21 November 1891 and, after service at home and Gibraltar, was posted to South Africa on 24 November 1899 with the 1st battalion for service in the Anglo Boer War.
The 1st Yorks saw plenty of action distinguishing themselves at Paardeberg on 17 February 1900 where they sustained heavy losses. McFarlane, now a Corporal, survived this and the other engagements i which they were involved. The war over on 31 May 1902 he sailed for England with his battalion, arriving there on 6 October 1902. He was promoted to Sergeant Drummer on 15 October 1907 while serving with the 3rd battalion and in 1910 was awarded the Army LSGCM. He was discharged at the end of his period of engagement on 8 July 1912 after 21 years service.
Later that year, on 23 November, he enlisted with the Territorial Force with no. 1767 in the Notts & Derby Regiment. Promotion to Acting Bandmaster Sergeant followed on 1 December 1912. He then saw service with the British Expeditionary Force in France in WWI - from 24 February 1915 until 19 July 1919 - earning a Silver War Badge no. B297287. He was discharged on 16 August 1919 with the rank of Acting Company Quartermaster Sergeant.
He re-enlisted into the TF on 1 July 1920 and was assigned no. 4961048 with the 6th battalion Sherwood Foresters and was awarded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal in 1921. He took his final discharge on 30 July 1926 at the age of 50. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1953.
According to the 1939 Register he was living at 3 Ripley Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire (West Riding) and was an Examiner at the Naval ordnance Inspection Department - thereby ensuring that, years after his service was complete, he still retained links to the military.
He died in Sheffield, Yorkshire West Riding in December 1966.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with research.
