Although quite damaged and worn, the impressing on this medal is clear and easy to read, with the medal belonging to Jamesome Kear Ata, South African Native Labour Corps.
$ 45.00 AUD
Out of stock
Although quite damaged and worn, the impressing on this medal is clear and easy to read, with the medal belonging to Jamesome Kear Ata, South African Native Labour Corps.
The South African Native Labour Corps was Raised in 1916, as a way for Black, Malay and Indian, and Mixed heritage South Africans to contribute to the massive war effort in France. The pure scale of the conflict required incredible amounts of infrastructure (and manpower to operate it) to keep the men at the front feed, armed, and clothed. THE SANLC primarily was utilised in the North of France, unloading cargo ships, but also utilised through France for a wide range of duties under the umbrella of the British Directorate of Labour.
The novel idea was presented that Black and Asian labour troops should be presented with a British War Medal made with Bronze instead of Silver, as they were cheaper to make and giving them silver medals was considered wasteful. Ironically, due to comparatively smaller issue compared to the sheer number of normal War medals issued, and the fact the vast majority have been damaged beyond recognition or lost to time by the recipients or their families, have made them quite rare and desirable to some collectors.
Unfortunately, it seems all the records for the Black members of the SANLC have been lost to time, either they were not stored/kept properly, or just been lost.
Askari Medals provides flat rate shipping around the globe and within Australia.
Askari Medals is able to source and supply a large range of unique Medals and Militaria from a range of eras and Countries.
All our Medals are the genuine item, and come partially or fully researched.
