Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Relief of Chitral 1895 C.B. group of three awarded to Major-General H. B. MacCall, King’s Royal Rifle Corps

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamels, complete with swivel-ring bar suspension and ribbon buckle; Canada General Service 1866-70, 1 clasp, Fenian Raid 1866 (Ens: H. B. Macall. 4/60 Regt.); India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Chitral 1895 (Ltt. Coll: H. B. MacCall 1st Bn. K.R. Rifle Corps) the first with chipping to both wreaths, otherwise good very fine and better (3) £2000-2600

C.B. London Gazette 21 January 1896: ‘In recognition of services during the operations of the Chitral Relief Force.’

Henry Blackwood MacCall was born on 15 August 1845, son of Colonel George MacCall. He was appointed Ensign, by purchase, in the 60th K.R.R.C. on 16 February 1864, and served with the 4th Battalion in Canada 1865-67 (Medal with clasp). He served in India from 1868 to 1903, with the 3rd Battalion 1868-72, and as Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion 1873-81, becoming Captain in 1875 and A.D.C. to Commander-in-Chief, East Indies in 1880-81. He was promoted to Major in the 4th Battalion in 1881, and to Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding the 1st Battalion, in July 1891, serving with the Isazai Expedition in 1892. He commanded the 1st Battalion throughout the operations of the Chitral Relief Force in 1895, including the storming of the Malakand Pass (Despatches; C.B.; Medal with clasp). He was commanding the 41st Regimental District, Cardiff, 1897-98, and was appointed Deputy Adjutant General in India in February 1899, commanding 2nd Class District, India, 1901-02. He retired in August 1902 and was promoted to Hon. Major-General in September 1917. Major-General MacCall, who was affectionately known as ‘Jackal’ in the regiment, died on 22 July 1921.