The John Nicholson Collection of medals to men who fought in the Kaffir Wars of 1834-53

Pair: Sergeant-Major William McDonald, 27th Regiment

South Africa 1834-53 (Clr.-Srjt. W. McDonald. 27th Regt.); Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Serjt.-Major Wm. McDonald, 27th Foot.) both medals fitted with silver ribbon buckles, light contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise better than very fine (2) £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The John Nicholson Collection of medals to men who fought in the Kaffir Wars of 1834-53.

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William McDonald was born in the Parish of Colon, County Louth, Ireland, and attested for the 27th Foot at Longford on 6 June 1826, aged 16, a weaver by trade. He was promoted Corporal in August 1842, to Sergeant in February 1843, and to Sergeant-Major in January 1850. He served 3 years in the West Indies and 12 years at the Cape of Good Hope, taking part in the Kaffir Wars of 1834-35 and 1846-47, and was discharged at Dublin on 13 May 1854. The regimental Surgeon reported that ‘Sergeant-Major William McDonald 27th Regiment is affected with chronic rheumatism having completed nearly 26 Years in the Regiment. He was present at the Cape of Good Hope the entire service of the Regiment and his general character and efficiency as a soldier could not be surpassed.’ He had never been tried by Court Martial and was then in possession of a Good Conduct Medal. He was awarded the M.S.M. with £10 Annuity in 1857, and is believed to have died in 1872. Sold with copied discharge papers.

Note: According to Ian McInnes a single M.S.M. to this man is on display in the Regimental Museum but this is believed to be his L.S. & G.C. medal surrendered upon receiving his Annuity M.S.M.