Boer War Corporal, 20311 G. Walker 12th Coy (S.N.H.) Imp. Yeo.
The Queen's South Africa Medal of Lance-Corporal George Walker, 20311, 12th Company, 3rd Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry. With the five bars he was entitled to, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, and South Africa 1902. By pure coincidence, the field glasses belonging to George Walker were acquired for the collection in October 2024, found in Nottingham. His Q.S.A. medal recently surfaced in Canada! Thankfully both are now together in Nottingham.
George Walker was born in the Parish of St. Marys, Nottingham, in 1879. His address at the time of joining the South Notts Hussars was 7, Alfred Terrace, Abbotsford Street, Nottingham. A butcher by trade, he attested for the Imperial Yeomanry, South Notts Hussars, on 21st January 1901 at the age of 22 years and 3 months, and was given the number Trooper 20311. His attestation was approved by Colonel Rolleston on the 26th of January 1901 in Nottingham. Detailed to join the 12th Company, Imperial Yeomanry.
George Walker was promoted to Lance Corporal.It is not entirely clear when this was. The Historical Records of the South Nottinghamshire Hussars Yeomanry stated this to have been 7th May 1901 while still on active service. There are other inconsistencies in this record also. It gives his name as 20311 E. Walker, not G. Walker. He is, however, the only Lance Corporal Walker on the Nominal Roll. His short service states he was promoted to Lance Corporal on 2nd October 1901.
Walker returned to England with the regiment on 6th August 1902. Discharged from service with the 12th Company Imperial Yeomanry at Aldershot on 30th August 1902 after a service period of one year and 222 days. His conduct and character while with the Colours was recorded as "very good".
On the 14th May 1905, the annual church parade was held at the South Notts Hussars regimental church of St. Mary's. Colonel Rolleston on this day took the opportunity when the regiment had returned to the Market Place to present long service medals to thirty-five members of the regiment. This included Corporal Walker.
