Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The South Africa 1877-79 medal to Colour-Sergeant T. H. E. McAllan, 90th Foot, who was wounded in the arm at Kambula on 29 March 1879, and after the wound was dressed ran out to his company, performing his duty till shot dead

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (636. Colr. Sergt. T. H. E. McAllan. 90th Foot.) 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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Colour-Sergeant Thomas H. E. McAllan, 90th Light Infantry, was wounded in the arm at Kambula on 29 March 1879, and, after his wound was dressed, joined the sortie by two companies of his regiment when he was shot a second time, dead.

‘Concerning the battle of Kambula, a correspondent of a Natal paper says:-During the attack of the Zulus on this column on the 29th ult., I had the opportunity of observing all that passed in the camp, and admired the cool and systematic manner in which all the orders were carried out by officers and men, and the short time it took to establish a thorough preparedness for fighting; and after every one was at his station, their countenances showed a stern determined purpose of meeting the foe with British pluck and courage; and the volleys that they delivered were something terrible, especially on the side where the 1-13th were stationed, that being the centre and main attack of the Zulu army. Colonel Wood and his staff-officers were conspicuous for their bravery in directing the defence of first the fort and then the laager, under a very heavy cross fire from the enemy; Captain Woodgate especially exposing himself to the enemy’s fire, and directing the two companies of the 90th at the sortie where to go, marching as leisurely and unconcernedly as if he was pacing a piece of ground for cricket wickets. Major Hackett received a dangerous wound, the ball passing through the head, whilst gallantly leading on two companies 90th L.I.; he is in a most precarious state. Lieut. Smith, 90th L.I., assistant director of transport, was wounded, ball through left arm, while gallantly bearing a stretcher to carry a wounded man, under a heavy fire. Colour-Sergeant McAllen was wounded in the arm, and after the wound was dressed ran out to his company, performing his duty till shot dead.’ (The British, The Boers and The Zulus, by Duncan C. F. Moodie, Adelaide, 1879, refers)