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

Pair: Sergeant Charles Hammond, 45th Foot

South Africa 1834-53 (C. Hammond. 45th Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., small letter reverse (2393. Serjt. Chas. Hammond, 45th Foot) mounted as worn on a double brooch bar, contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine or better (2) £400-£500

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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Charles Hammond was born at Harlington, Middlesex, and attested for the 76th Foot on 10 December 1840, aged 20, a labourer by trade. He volunteered to transfer to the 45th Foot on 1 April 1842, was promoted to Corporal in May 1855, and to Sergeant in July 1859. He served at the Cape of Good Hope for 16 years 1 month and was discharged at Aldershot on 9 January 1862, with a total service of 21 years 30 days. His conduct was described as ‘Very Good’ and he was ‘in possession of Four Good Conduct Badges when promoted to Serjeant; he has Medal for Kaffir War 1850-53; he would have been in possession of five Good Conduct Badges as a Private - he has never been tried by Court Martial and has only 2 entries in the Regtl. Defaulters Book.’ He was recommended for the L.S. & G.C. medal by the officer commanding the 45th Regiment on 4 May 1862. The medal was issued on 3 July 1862 and sent to the officer commanding the Leinster Militia, in Ireland, where Sergeant Hammond had taken up a permanent post. Sold with copied discharge papers confirming medal which is not listed in Gordon Everson’s published roll.