Canada, Dominion. A Queen’s South Africa & First War Medal Pair, H.M.S. MONARCH

Two medals on a makeshift medalbar, measuring 75mm (w) x 105mm (h - from medal bar to the base of the South Africa Medal), swing pin on reverse: 

A Queen’s South Africa Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 7365 PTE H. DEAR, R.M, H.M.S. MONARCH, worn on original ribbon with clasps MODDER RIVER and BELMONT,  sewn to the metal bar, notable edge knock above “H.” on rim, minimal wear, very dark patina, in extremely fine condition. 

A First War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 65252 A. CPL. H. DEAR. 24-CAN.INF., worn on original ribbon and pierced via the medal bar hook, small edge knocks, very dark patina, in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in a unique retrofitted glasses case with maroon velvet interior, with two leather slips for each medal, measures 145mm (w) x 75mm (h) x 15mm (d), cracking to exterior, remains in very fine condition. 

Footnote: Henry Dear was born in London, England in August 1876. He served 12 years with the Royal Marines, and was employed as a labourer when he enlisted in Montreal on October 29, 1914. He served with the 24th Battalion.

In September 1915, he was transferred to the 39th Battalion. On April 28, 1916 he was appointed Lance Corporal. As of March 7, 1917 he was appointed Acting Corporal. On March 27, 1917 he was attached to the Canadian Military Hospital, Hastings. 

He was diagnosed with neurasthenia, being admitted on May 8, 1917 to and discharged on June 18, 1917. The history of his condition is stated “Joined the army in November 1914 - England early in 1915. Never in France. Was Provo-Sargeant in England and worked so hard he had to be transferred to the medical Corps of 39th Battalion, as Medical Corporal. This work was even harder than the former and he began to tire easy. Could not sleep and becam [sic] extremely irritable. He developed these vague and indefinite pains at this time, and he claims he has never been free from them and he gets so down hearted that he is almost on the verge of Melancholic. Never had he claims what could be called Rheumatism but he gets very nervous at times - thinking about his own condition.” 

According to his First War records, he suffered from Malaria and Myalgia while in West Africa 

“In West Africa in 1901 contracted Malaria, returned to England in 1902 where he still had attacks of malaria. In order to improve his health he emigrated to Canada in 1907, and was only sick twice in 7 years with malaria while there. Returned to England with 24th Batt. C.E.F. in May 1915. In July 1915 he began having attacks of ague again accompanied by severe attacks of pain in arms, back and legs. Since then the attacks are weekly occurrence and he is unable to carry on.” 

He sailed from Liverpool for Canada via the Hospital Ship “Letitia” on June 18, 1917, and was discharged as medically unfit.