The Zulu War Medal awarded to Private R. Hissey, 94th Regiment of Foot, later 2nd Battalion, Connaught Rangers, who was severely wounded in the head on 9 February 1881 during the epic defence of Lydenburg

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (1563 Pte. R. Hissey, 94th Foot) edge bruising, good very fine £1,400-£1,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals for the First Boer War.

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Dix Noonan Webb, July 2010.

Robert Hissey was born in the Parish of Sommers Town, London, and enlisted at Aldershot on 10 August 1870. Having declared that he had never served in any branch of the forces he was found, in September 1871, to belong to the 5th Middlesex Militia and in consequence was deprived of his pay until May 1874. He served in South Africa from 26 February 1879 until 16 October 1881, taking part in the Zulu War of 1879 and the Transvaal War of 1880-81. During the latter conflict he was one of the small garrison of the 94th that successfully defended the town of Lydenburg against besieging Boer forces for nearly three weeks. During the siege Hissey was severely wounded by a gun shot wound to his head on 9 February 1881. He appeared before a Medical Board at Pietermaritzburg on 15 May 1881, who recommended him for a change of climate to England. He was accordingly returned home to Netley Hospital in October 1881, and was discharged from the service from Netley, unfit for service, on 6 December 1881.

Sold with copied discharge papers.