Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Belfast (8035 Pte. W. Marsh, Welsh Regt.) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine £160-£200

William Henry Marsh was born at Oldbury, Birmingham, in 1877 and was a resident of Ferndale, Glamorgan, when he enlisted into the 3rd (Militia) Battalion of the Welsh Regiment in February 1896. He was embodied from the Militia for active service in the South African War on 4 December 1899, serving until disembodied in November 1901, and was wounded in action at the Battle of Paardeberg in February 1900. He was discharged from the Militia Reserve on 9 February 1902 on termination of his engagement.

During the Great War Marsh re-enlisted into the Gloucestershire Regiment on 1 September 1914 and later transferred to the Military Foot Police, with service No. P.5698. He served in France and suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and contracted rheumatism having been exposed to the wet conditions when on duty. He was discharged no longer fit for active service, at Aldershot in 1917, and died at Rookwood Hospital, Llandaff, Cardiff on 22 December 1919, from the effects of his wounds and exposure.