Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Zulu War medal awarded to Lance-Sergeant John Key, 2/24th Foot, who served with “B” Company at the Defence of Rorke’s Drift
South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (2389 Lce. Sergt. J. Key. 2-24th Foot) edge bruise, otherwise good very fine
£20000-25000

John Key attested at Secunderabad, India, on 28 August 1871, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot. Appointed a Drummer in 1873, he reverted to Private in September 1877 and was appointed Lance-Corporal in May 1878. He was promoted Corporal in July 1878 and appointed Lance-Sergeant on 19 February 1879. He thus served as a Corporal in “B” Company at the epic defence of the mission station at Rorke’s Drift on 22nd/23rd January 1879. He was promoted to Sergeant in March 1880 and placed on the unattached list at Secunderabad on 1 March 1884.