Great Britain. A Well Worn Queen's South Africa Medal, To A Private From The 3Rd West India Regiment

(--9 Pte ------TS 3rd WEST INDIA REGt). Naming is officially impressed, with the Private's service number and name obscured, but the rank and regimental designation clear. Silver, 36.3 mm, without its suspension, bruised, edge nicks, contact marks, fair.

Footnote: The West India Regiments (WIR) were infantry units of the British Army recruited from and normally stationed in the British colonies of the Caribbean between 1795 and 1927. In 1888, the two West India Regiments then in existence were reduced to a single unit of two battalions. This regiment differed from similar forces raised in other parts of the British Empire in that it formed an integral part of the regular British Army. In 1958 a new regiment was created following the creation of the Federation of the West Indies with the establishment of three battalions, however, the regiment's existence was short-lived and it was disbanded in 1962 when its personnel were used to establish other units in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout their history, the regiments were involved in a number of campaigns in the West Indies and Africa, and also took part in the First World War, where they served in the Middle East and East Africa. Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, which was raised in 1897 and disbanded in 1904, were recruited and took part in the South African War (also known as the Second Boer War) of 1899-1902.