Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902, awarded to Superintending Nursing Sister Joan Gray, Army Medical Service

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.

During the Boer War (1899-1902) 22,000 troops were wounded. A further 74,000 were treated for diseases like typhoid and dysentery. As well as battalion medical officers to treat casualties in the field, the newly-formed Royal Army Medical Corps (established in 1898) preserved the lives of many. In addition to Army field ambulances and hospitals, voluntary organisations set up hospitals, first-aid posts and medical units. Military medicine made considerable advances during the nineteenth century. The women of the Army Nursing Service, assisted by volunteers, usually worked in hospitals. Gray was mentioned in dispatches on two occasions during the Boer War.

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.