medal code J3610

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SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL

A SCARCE SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP, 1877-8 TO AN NCO OF THE 90TH FOOT

SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP, 1877-8 ‘1605. LCE CORPL. J. PEAKE.. 90TH FOOT.’

John Peake, aged 16 from Abbey, Paisley, enlisted into the 19th Foot at Sheffield on 3 July 1868, Regimental number 1968. Promoted Corporal on 16 April 1872, sergeant on 2 April 1873 and Colour Sergeant on 19 October 1875, he was tried and reduced to Private on 6 September 1876. Volunteering for service with the 90th Foot on 7 January 1878, he was given the new Regimental number 1605 and set sail to South Africa, serving with the 90th throughout the Kaffir War of 1877-8 and the Zulu War of 1879, though from his medal entitlement, he did not cross the border into Zulu land. Having been appointed Lance Corporal on 22 April 1878 and Corporal on 30 March 1878, he was again advanced to Sergeant on 30 September 1880. He was finally discharged from the army in February 1883 after been found medically unfit for service.

The 90th saw service throughout the Kaffir War of 1877-8, seeing a good deal of action during the operations in the Waterkloof and Perie Bush. During the Zulu War of 1879, the 90th formed part of Wood’s column, taking part in the early war action at Zunguin Nek and being conspicuous for their actions at the engagements of Kambula and Ulundi. The battle of Kambula was a hard fought battle, the outcome of which was in the balance for a time. Ulundi turned out to be an outright victory. However although the British had won a series of battles, the spectre of Isandhlwana and the fear of the Zulu was still strong. This was of great concern, especially as far as the various ‘green’ regiments that took part. Along with the 13th Foot who they fought with side by side, the 90th by now the backbone of Lord Chelmsford’s force. By Wars’s end, these two regiments would see the most action of any British Regiment.

Condition VF some EK’s. Just 72 1877-8 clasps to the 90th thus scarce.

Code J3610        Price £        SOLD