United Kingdom. A Queen’s South Africa and First War Pair to Pte. Whale

A Queen’s South Africa Medal, in silver, rim officially impressed 4724 PTE F. G. WHALE. 16TH LANCERS. with CAPE COLONY clasp, dark patina, light contact marks, very fine. 

A British War Medal, in silver, rim impressed GNR. F. G. WHALE. S.A.H.A., original ribbon, dark patina, light wear, very fine condition. 

A South African Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, rim impressed GNR. F. G. WHALE. S.A.H.A., original ribbon with tears and wear, notable gilt wear,  near very fine condition. 

Footnote: F.G. Whale is on the Queen’s South Africa Medal Roll for the 16th Queen’s Lancers, with remarks stating “Discharged by purchase in South Africa.”

Gunner F. G Whale served with the South African Heavy Artillery during the First War. The South African Heavy Artillery in the First World War (1914–1918) was part of the Union Defence Force and provided South Africa’s principal contribution of heavy guns on overseas service. Formed from experienced artillery volunteers and militia personnel, the brigade was equipped with large-calibre field and siege guns and served under British command in major theatres, most notably on the Western Front. South African heavy batteries took part in prolonged trench warfare operations, delivering counter-battery fire, bombardments of enemy positions, and support for infantry assaults during major offensives such as those on the Somme and in the later Allied advances of 1918. Their service earned a strong reputation for accuracy and endurance under the demanding conditions of static artillery warfare. Members of the formation were eligible for campaign medals such as the British War Medal and Victory Medal, often with distinctive South African unit naming reflecting their Dominion service within the wider Imperial artillery structure.