United Kingdom. A Queen’s and King’s South Africa Pair to Pte. Thomson, Railway Pioneer Regiment

A medal pair, court mounted, reverse is reinforced with red felt, comprising: 

A Queen’s South Africa Medal, in silver, rim officially impressed 2329  PTE. J. D. THOMSON. RLY: PNR: REGT with RELIEF OF LADYSMITH and TRANSVAAL clasps, small contact marks, very fine. 

A King’s South Africa Medal, in silver, rim officially impressed 2329  PTE. J. D. THOMSON. RLY: PNR: REGT with SOUTH AFRICA 1901 and SOUTH AFRICA 1902 clasps, light contact marks, very fine. 

Footnote: Private J. D. Thomson is on the Queen’s South Africa Medal Roll and King’s South Africa Medal Roll with the 4th Battalion Railway Pioneers Regiments. He also served with the Colonial Scouts as No. 155. 

The 4th Railway Pioneer Regiment was raised during the Second Boer War to assist in the construction, repair, and protection of South Africa's vital railway network. Composed largely of skilled railwaymen, engineers, and labourers, the regiment worked closely with the Royal Engineers to restore lines damaged by Boer forces, build military sidings, and maintain communications across occupied territories. As control of the railways was essential to the movement of troops, supplies, and equipment, the regiment played an important logistical role in sustaining British operations, particularly during the guerrilla phase of the war when railway infrastructure was a frequent target of Boer raids.