Boer War – Q.S.A. Medal ‘DEF. of LADYSMITH & TVL’ (TPR. E.P. HESLOP) ‘BORDER M. RIFLES’ (With Unusual Provenance)

This original, full size ‘Queen South Africa’ Medal with two clasps: ‘Defence of Ladysmith and Transvaal’ was issued to ‘249 TPR. E.P. HESLOP.’ (Ernest Percy) of the ‘BORDER M.R.’ (Border Mounted Rifles). I’ve come across, with little research, some provenance on this recipient. He was one of three brothers, who all served together in the ‘Border Mounted Rifles’ during the Boer War and were all involved in the ‘Defence of Ladysmith’. Ernest Heslop was born on the 12 October 1880 in York, Natal, SA, and was one of eight brothers and sisters. His people came out with the York Settlers of 1850 to Natal, who settled near Greytown, founding a small village which they called York. There’s a lot more information and interesting history with ‘BMR’ photographs on this family, which I’ve attached below. This medal has been confirmed on the roll and would benefit from proper research. It is nicely tarnished and in excellent condition.