Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902, with six clasps: 'Elandslaagte', 'Defence of Ladysmith', 'Laing's Nek', 'Belfast', 'Cape Colony' and 'Orange Free State', awarded to General Sir Cecil Macready

Circular, silver campaign medal with, on the obverse, a profile head of Queen Victoria with the inscription, 'Victoria Regina et Imperatrix' (Victoria, Queen and Empress). On the reverse, the figure of Britannia holding a Union Flag and laurel wreath, the words 'South Africa', marching troops and warships in the background. The medal is suspended on a red, yellow and dark blue ribbon, with six clasps: 'Elandslaagte', 'Defence of Ladysmith', 'Laing's Nek', 'Belfast', 'Cape Colony' and 'Orange Free State'.

General Sir Cecil Frederick Nevill 'Make-Ready' Macready was born on 7 May 1862. The son of an actor, he was commissioned into the Gordon Highlanders in 1881. He served in the Egyptian War of 1882, staying on with the military police in Alexandria until 1889. Macready was promoted to major in 1899 and served with the 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders in South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). A series of staff posts followed and Macready was involved in the formation of the Territorial Force and military aid to the civil power operations including the employment of soldiers during labour disputes and the deployment of troops to Ireland during World War One (194-1918). From 1920, through the closing stages of the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War, Macready held the post of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Ireland.

The Queen's South Africa Medal was awarded to soldiers who served during the Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa between 11 October 1899 and 31 May 1902. Twenty-six clasps were awarded with this medal, indicating each action and state campaign of the conflict.

From a group of orders and medals awarded to General Sir C F N Macready (1862-1946), Gordon Highlanders, Adjutant General to the British Forces and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Ireland, 1920-1922.