Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 2nd issue, large letter reverse (No. 922 Thomas Johnson Private 45 Regt.) engraved naming, light contact marks, otherwise very fine £120-£140

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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Thomas Johnson was born in the Parish of Haltham, near Horncastle, Lincolnshire, and enlisted into the 45th Foot at Nottingham on 9 July 1834, aged 18 years 6 months. He served abroad in the East Indies 2 years 3 months, at Gibraltar 1 year 9 month, at Monte Video 10 months, and at the Cape of Good Hope 18 years 7 months, where he participated in the Kaffir Wars of 1846-47 and 1850-53, but he was not present at the battle of Boemplaats in August 1848. He was discharged at Chatham on 4 August 1857, being unfit for further service subject to chronic rheumatism, and ‘in possession of a Kaffir War Medal and was granted the G.C. Medal and gratuity.’ The regimental surgeon reported ‘Disease, Chronic Rheumatism & Worn out. Disability first appeared in 1855, was then stationed at Tamacha Post, British Kaffraria. Has been suffering for a length of time from old Rheumatic Pains in the shoulders, back and extremities - for the last eighteen months he has not been able to perform anything but light duty, and as he is considerably over his time of service is Recommended for discharge - His disease has not been aggravated by vice or misconduct.’ Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.