Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902, no clasp awarded to H.E. Manester, Petty Officer, H.M.S. Monarch who saw service aboard the ship during the Boer War. Later recalled for the Great War he would serve aboard H.M.S. Reindeer from 21st October 1914 until 23rd April 1919.
Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902, no clasp; (H.E. MANESTER. P.O. H.M.S. MONARCH.)
Condition: minor edge-bruise at 3 o’clock, otherwise better than Very Fine
Harry Edwin Monester was born on 20th January 1872 at Mildenhall, Suffolk, and giving his trade as Bootmaker joined the Royal Navy aged 15 on 21st September 1887. Initially a Boy 2nd Class, he was appointed Boy 1st Class on 3rd October 1888 and as an Ordinary Seaman on his eighteenth birthday.
An Able Seaman from 1st February 1892, a Leading Seaman on 21st November 1896 and as a Petty Officer 2nd Class on 1st September 1899, subsequently serving in South Africa. He would become a Petty Officer 1st Class on 27th April 1901 and a Chief Petty Officer n 8th April 1911 retired with this rating on 18th January 1912. During his time he’d served as a member of the crew of Impregnable, Agamemnon, Boadicea, Victory, Active, Excellent, Royal Arthur, Boscawen, Duke of Wellington, Camperdown, Monarch, Bellona, Firequeen, Latona, Sealark, Vindictive, Barfleur, Jupiter, Swiftsure and Grafton.
He joined the Royal Fleet Reserve at Portsmouth the day following his retirement. Recalled on 2nd August 1914, he served initially on Victory I and Excellent and then, with the rate of Chief Petty Officer from 21st October 1914 until 23rd April 1919 aboard H.M.S. Reindeer.
