Presentation Watch Fob : Private W Asquith, 1 NSW Mounted Rifles

Presentation watch fob in the shape of a cross. The cross is similar in shape to a cross paronce, but with sharper points. Between each arm is a triangle. The arms are decorated with a leaf design. The centre is engraved with the intials 'WA'. On the reverse is engraved 'Presented To TROOPER W ASQUITH on his Return From South African War Oct 20 1900'.

This medallion was issued to Private (Pte) Walter Asquith by the people of his hometown Hillgrove, NSW, upon his return, wounded from the Boer War in 1900. It was probably purchased from a local jeweller and is incscribed with Asquith's initials and a personal commendation on the reverse. Pte Asquith embarked from Australia on 17 January 1900 aboard the transport ship Southern Cross to serve with 1 NSW Mounted Rifles. The unit arrived at Cape Town and was involved in actions throughout Orange Free State, Transvaal and the Western Cape, including a charge along the Vet River on 5 May 1900 which resulted in 5000 Boers fleeing the area. Asquith was repatriated home to Australia wounded in July 1900. Hillgrove held a large celebration in honour of his homecoming, including a parade down Bracken Street as he was the first man from his town to return wounded from the conflict. Asquith later went on to become an Inspector in the Police Force.