Rare Q.S.A. Medal (Rhodesian Pioneer) `Corp. M.G. Linnell.` - S. RHOD: VOLS: (Rhodesia, Rel. of Mafe

This scarce, impressive, original, full size 'Queen South Africa Medal' with five clasps (Rhodesia, Relief of Mafeking, Transvaal, Orange Free State and South Africa 1901), was issued to one of the early Rhodesian pioneers, 'Corporal Michael Gerald Linnell' who served with the 'Southern Rhodesia Volunteers' at the 'Relief of Mafeking'. The rim of the medal is impressed '696 CORPL: M.G. LINNELL, S. RHOD: VOLS:'. The medal is in excellent condition and comes complete with its original ribbon and a copy of his 'Pioneer Certificate' that I came across on the net. This impressive medal could do with further research, as I feel I've only scratched the surface.

Michael Linnell arrived in Rhodesia in 1896 and served as a Trooper in the 'Matabeleland Relief Force' during the rebellion that year. He was the grandson of John Linnell, the prominent British landscape artist, and the son of James Linnell who was also a recognized artist. Michael was a very good cricketer, and represented Rhodesia against Transvaal in the 1904/5 Currie Cup. He later died in Salisbury, Rhodesia in August 1959.

NOTE: I noticed his 'B.S.A. Company' medal (1896)and his Rhodesian Pioneer certificate were sold on auction in the UK in 2018.

Please feel free to email me with any queries, and please look closely at the pictures provided as they are of the actual item and form a vital part of the description.

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