Miniature Medals

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (Maj. H. G. MacGregor) edge bruise, otherwise good very fine £300-350

Henry Grey MacGregor was born in Belfast, youngest son of General Sir Duncan MacGregor, K.C.B., late 93rd Highlanders. He was first commissioned into the 17th Regiment in May 1858 and became Lieutenant in June 1860, by purchase. Having purchased a Captaincy in November 1869 he transferred, shortly afterwards, to the 29th Regiment, a few days before the end of his two year tour of duty at Sandhurst. Thereafter he was destined to serve on the Staff of the Army. During the South African War 1879-81, he took part in the Zulu Campaign on the staff of Colonel Pearson’s Column as Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General. He was present at the action of Inyezane, and in charge of signalling arrangements at the defence of Etshowe (Despatches London Gazette 5 March and 16 May 1879; Medal with Clasp; and Brevet of Major). The important part played by MacGregor during the defence of Etshowe is recorded in most histories of the campaign. He served during the Transvaal War at Durban, as D.A.A. and Q.M.G. at Army Headquarters.

He served in the Egyptian Expedition 1882, as D.A.A. & Q.M.G., Base and Lines of Communication (Despatches London Gazette 2 November 1882; Medal; Bronze Star; Brevet of Lt.-Col.; 4th Class Osmanieh); and in the Soudan Expedition 1885, Suakin, as A.A. & Q.M.G., Base and Lines of Communication (Despatches London Gazette 25 August 1885; Clasp). He was promoted to Colonel in November 1886, appointed A.D.C. to the Queen and, in May 1889, created a Companion of the Bath. He was placed on retired pay in January 1895 and died in London on 30 October 1925, at the age of 87. Sold with a good quantity of additional research.