Queen's South Africa Medal : Quartermaster Sergeant G H Willett, Queensland Mounted Infantry

Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps 'RHODESIA', 'CAPE COLONY', 'TRANSVAAL', 'ORANGE FREE STATE' and 'RELIEF OF MAFEKING'. Engraved around edge with recipient's details.

George Henry Willett was born at Rushcutters Bay, NSW on 3 September 1876. In early 1900 he enlisted for service in South Africa with the Third Contingent, Queensland Mounted Infantry (QMI) giving the name 'George Cowell', but listing his next of kin as his mother, Mrs J. Willett of Coolangatta, Shoalhaven NSW. Willett received the service number 188 and initially served as a private, but was promoted in South Africa to the rank of squadron quartermaster sergeant. 3 QMI arrived in Cape Town in April 1900 and served until May 1901. During this time, they were involved in a number of significant engagements, including the relief of the town of Mafeking in May and an action at Koster River in July. Willett was discharged after returning to Australia on 1 June 1901. He died in 1934. His Queen's South Africa Medal was named to 'G Cowell', but Willett later had it re-engraved with his correct name.