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Great Britain: Earl Roberts V.C. K.G.: National Air Rifle Association: Shooting Award

Great Britain: Earl Roberts V.C. K.G.: National Air Rifle Association: Shooting AwardGreat Britain: Earl Roberts V.C. K.G.: National Air Rifle Association: Shooting Award
Form: Circular
By: ?
Date: 1912
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0317c;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
39.3 mmCopper-Bronze27.6 gm$12

Edge: Plain. Impressed: "UNITED KINGDOM V SOUTH AFRICA 1912 . 5 . C.H. SMITH.”

Obverse: Bareheaded bust of Roberts in uniform, front. Across on left: EARL / ROBERTS / V.C. K.G."

Reverse: Within a circle, coat of arms of Birmingham with Industry and Art supporters and motto: "FORWARD", and in an arc above: "PATRON EARL ROBERTS. V.C. K.G.". Legend outside: "NATIONAL AIR RIFLE ASSOCIATION" with an ornament at the foot.

Notes: During the South African War it became apparent to Lord Roberts that his British Troops, particularly the Volunteer Regiments, were far less accurate shots with their rifles than the Boers for whom the rifle had been a part of everyday life from boyhood.

On his return to Britain in 1900, Lord Roberts was instrumental in promoting rifle clubs with the aim of encouraging marksmanship skills so that the British people would be better prepared in the event of another war.