South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (Capt. W. F. Wilson, 90th Foot) light scratch to obverse, otherwise nearly extremely fine £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Gordon Everson.

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William Frederick Wilson was born near Dublin on 26 June 1840. He purchased a commission in the 90th Regiment in June 1862, purchased a Lieutenancy in July 1867, and became Captain in November 1873. He served with the regiment throughout the Zulu War, being present at the engagement on the Zanguin Nek, the battle of Kambula, and the battle of Ulundi. On the 21st January, 1879, the 90th Light Infantry, with some Dutch Volunteers and Wood’s Irregulars, advanced against, and drove before them, a large body of the enemy on the Zanguin Heights. On this occasion Captain Wilson’s company of the 90th, having to escort some waggons back to camp returned immediately that duty had been performed, having marched thirty-six miles in twenty-four hours. A second attack was made on the enemy’s position on the 24th, when the 90th advanced in line against 4,000 Zulus, who turned and fled. In both attacks the enemy suffered severely from the well-directed fire of the regiment. Wilson eventually became Colonel in October 1899 but retired from the Scottish Rifles the following month. He died in Dublin on 14 April 1909.