African War Veterans Association Queensland lapel badge : S J Cossart

Place Oceania: Australia, Queensland
Accession Number REL35821
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Brass, Enamel
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia: Queensland
Date made c 1910-1930
Conflict South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War)
Description

Shield-shaped badge, surmounted by a King's crown, shows a mounted horseman on a blue background. The words, 'QUEENSLAND AFRICAN WAR VETERANS ASSOCIATION' appear within a red enamel border. On the reverse is a crescent shaped clasp and the impressed serial number, '330'.

History / Summary

Sidney (also spelt Sydney) Joseph Cossart was born on 24 June 1878 He joined 3 Queensland Mounted Infantry (3 Queensland Bushmen), as a Private, service number 47, in January or February 1900 when the regiment was formed as part of the third Queensland contingent to be sent to South Africa. The Queensland Mounted Infantry left Brisbane on 1 March, 1900 onboard the transport ‘Duke of Portland’ and arrived at Cape Town on 2 April, 1900. On its arrival in South Africa, 3 Queensland Mounted Infantry was incorporated into the Rhodesian Field Force becoming the 2 Regiment, Private Cossart participated in operations in Rhodesia, the Transvaal, and Orange Free State. The most notable action being the Relief of Mafeking. During his service in Africa he served as Acting Corporal. During May 1901, 3 Queensland Mounted Infantry was relieved from further service in South Africa. Private Cossart returned to Queensland.