A South African War Pair to the Rifle Brigade

A South African War Pair to the Rifle Brigade - Queen's South Africa Medal, 2 Clasps - TRANSVAAL, LAING'S NEK (5732 Pte H. WRIGHT. RIFLE BRIGADE.); and King's South Africa Medal, 2 Clasps - SOUTH AFRICA 1901, SOUTH AFRICA 1902 (5732 Pte H. WRIGHT. RIFLE BRIGADE.). Naming is officially impressed. Dark patinas, original ribbons, edge nicks, bruised, period suspension repair on KSA, fine. Accompanied by copies of his Short Service Attestation Paper, Service Records and QSA/KSA Rolls of Eligibility. Footnote: Herbert H. (Edward) Wright signed his Short Service Attestation Paper under the alias John Jones, on April 5, 1898 in Lancaster, England. He stated that he was born in Darlington, Durham, England, that he was eighteen years of age, that he was currently with 3rd Battalion Royal Lancaster Regiment and that his trade was that of Labourer. Upon signing with the Rifle Brigade, it is likely that he used the alias John Jones to circumvent the fact that he was not of age when he enlisted. His deceit went further, even listing his next of kin as his brother, Richard Jones. The form was later altered in the named area at the top to the correct identification. During his time in South Africa, he fought with the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade and is documented in the Rolls of Eligibility as "Herbert H. Wright", receiving the mentioned appropriate clasps for the QSA and KSA. He was given permission to change his name to Herbert Edward Wright on May 30, 1899. Wright was posted as a Private on August 24, 1898, and later, Acting Corporal on March 19, 1902. Four months later, his rank reverted to Private due to "misconduct". March 1902 saw him change his theatre of operation to India, lasting until December 1905, with the beginning of November 1902 having him transferring to the Corps of Lancers of the Line and posted to the 9th Lancers, Bengal in India. He extended his service in March 1904 and received two Good Conduct Badges on April 1. He re-engaged for an additional four years in 1910 at Canterbury, serving on the home front in the Lancaster Reserve and is confirmed in the list under Cavalry Records. His ranks included that of Private, Acting Corporal and finally, Lance Corporal in late 1914, upon his departure from the Reserves. He was credited with six years in the Army and an additional eight years in the Reserves. He married the Spinster Roseanne Louise at Bolton in 1908 and had three children: Lilian (1909), Gerald (1912) and Brie (1918).