Full medal write up
SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP 1877-8-9 ’1251. PTE W. WARD, 90TH FOOT’
Private Ward served with the 90th Foot in South Africa during the Frontier Wars of 1877-8 and was afterwards attached to 2 Squadron Imperial Mounted Infantry. The detachment from the 90th serving from October/November 1878, throughout the Zulu War of 1879 until sometime between July and September 1879.
Commanded by Captain Percy Barrow, 19th Hussars, the 120 strong 2 Squadron Imperial Mounted Infantry served with Pearson’s Column during the first invasion of Zululand. On crossing into Zululand, the squadron was immediately involved in scouting and harassing Zulu scouts. They were present at the battle of Inyezene and the initial occupation of Eshowe, before all the mounted troops were sent back to the border by Pearson. Continuing patrolling work for the next few months, they re crossed into Zululand and took part in the relief of Eshowe, taking part in the battle of Gingindlovu on 2 April 1879. At the later battle, the squadron were conspicuous for the part they played and lead the ruthless pursuit of the defeated Zulu army. Further taking part in the relief of Eshowe and the attack of Prince Dabulamanzi’s homestead, they formed part of the 1st Division during the advance on Ulundi.
During the Zulu War, 2 Squadron Imperial Mounted Infantry formed part of a small mounted contingent under the overall command of Captain Barrow, which included the Natal Volunteer units; Natal Hussars, Stanger Mounted Rifles, Victoria Mounted Rifles, Alexandria Mounted Rifles, Durban Mounted Rifles and during the second invasion, the Natal Volunteers Guides, a unit formed from volunteers from the last mentioned units.
32 Officers and men from the 90th Foot served with 2 Squadron Mounted Infantry during the Zulu War, which was predominately composed of men from the 90th, 2/24th and 99th Regiments.
Condition about VF, couple of EK’s. A scarce medal to a 90th soldier who served with 2 Squadron Mounted Infantry during the Zulu War.