Returned Sailors Soldiers Airmen's Imperial League badge : S J Cossart

Brass and enamel badge consisting of a white enameled shield with brass figures of a sailor and soldier in the center within a blue enamel circle bearing the words, 'RETURNED SAILOR'S SOLDIER'S AIRMEN'S IMPERIAL LEAGUE'. Beneath is a red enameled scroll with, 'AUSTRALIA'. The badge is surmounted by a king's crown with red enamel. The reverse has a flat horizontal projection with two holes parallel to each other. Below this is the name of the maker, 'MYERS & CO'.

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.