The Queen's South Africa Medal and two clasps issued to Thomas Anderson Ballantyne, 9th NZMR Contingent who was a nephew of John Ballantyne, owner of Ballantyne's Department store in Christchurch.

 

Thomas Ballantyne was born 16th September 1881 at Felixstowe, South Australia. Son of Thomas Anderson and Mary Dora Ballantyne (née Deakin). Thomas senior was the brother of John Ballantye, who owned Christchurch's Ballantynes Department Store, which is still operating today. He appears to have joined the family business, being listed as a draper and residing in Fendalton, Christchurch when he was selected for service in South Africa.

 

Thomas served for around two months in South Africa before returning to Christchurch. He later moved to Waiuku and then the Kaipara, where he operated a dairy farm. He died on 7th July 1936 at Pukehuia.

 

The QSA is heavily toned and is correctly impressed 7612 L. CPL: T. A. BALLANTYNE. N.Z.M.R. 9th CONT:

Service file held at Archives New Zealand