Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

South Africa 1834-53 (T. Hopkins. 75th Regt.) extremely fine £600-800

Provenance: Gaskell Collection 1911; The Kuriheka Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, June 2006; A. J. Henderson Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2007.

128 medals to this regiment, all of whom served in the 1st Kaffir War 1834-35. Fewer than 400 medals were issued to men of the 27th, 72nd, and 75th Regiments, who fought during the 1st Kaffir War.

Thomas Hopkins was born at Tyrrelpass, Westmeath, Ireland in 1809. He enlisted into the 75th Foot at Dublin on 10 September 1827, and attested for unlimited service two days later. He served in Ireland until May 1830 when the regiment embarked for the Cape of Good Hope, taking part in the Kaffir uprising of 1834-35. The 75th left South Africa in July 1843, disembarking at Plymouth in mid-September. Hopkins had by this time been promoted to Sergeant and was recommended for discharge at Kilkenny on 25 March 1849, being ‘unfit for further service from being worn out and subject to rheumatism.’ He died at Preston on 28 November 1859, his death certificate recording that he was then Barrack Sergeant with the 45th Regiment at Fulwood Barracks, Preston.

Sold with copied attestation and discharge papers, and other research.