Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The South Africa 1877-79 medal to Private Joseph Weaver, 80th Foot, who was killed in action at Intombi River on 12 March 1879

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1878-9 (716 Pte. J, Weaver. 80th Foot.) toned, extremely fine and a rare casualty £5,000-£7,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Small Collection of South Africa 1877-79 Medals for Classic Actions.

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Private Joseph Weaver was killed in action at Intombi River on 12 March 1879.

In the early morning of 12 March 1879, the 80th was surprised on the Intombi River while guarding a wagon convoy stranded on both sides of the flooded river, while crossing at Meyer’s Drift. Due to the failure of Captain Moriarty, commanding the detachment, to erect adequate defences and post sufficient sentries, a Zulu impi under Chief Mbelini overran the camp and killed 61 soldiers of the 80th Foot, with the loss also of 80 rifles and 90,000 rounds of ammunition. Private Weaver is commemorated on the Staffordshire Volunteers Regimental Memorial in Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire.