An Illuminated Address on Vellum admitting Private Thomas Light, 5th Volunteer Battalion,...

An Illuminated Address on Vellum admitting Private Thomas Light, 5th Volunteer Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, a Freeman of the Borough of Totnes, Devon, dated 13 June 1901, and signed ‘Fred. T. Tucker’, Mayor, 385mm x 485mm, good condition £40-£50 --- Thomas Light was born in Totnes circa 1871. A Labourer by occupation who had enlisted in the 5th Volunteer Battalion Devonshire Regiment, he volunteered to serve in South Africa and attested for one year’s service with the Volunteer Company Devonshire Regiment on 15 January 1900. He embarked with the Volunteer Company for South Africa on 15 February 1900. and was employed with a Rifle Company with the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment; his Volunteer Company was present at the capture of Botha’s Pass (Laing’s Nek) in June 1900. Returning home to Exeter on 2 March 1901 he was discharged on 20 April 1901. He paraded again at Higher Barracks, Exeter with the Volunteer Company to be presented with his Queen’s South Africa medal with three clasps by Lord Roberts on 12 September 1901 and subsequently received the South Africa 1901 clasp. Sold with copied service records and letter from Totnes Town Council confirming that Captain F. K. Windeatt, Private T. Light, Private S. J. Matters and Private A. Williams, each of the Devonshire Regiment, were created Honorary Freeman in consideration of their services in South Africa.