Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Sergeant Alexander Neilson, 99th Foot

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (1909 Alexander Neilson, 99th Foot); China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Serjt., 99th Regt.) both medals officially impressed, contact marks, nearly very fine or better and a scarce pair (2) £450-550

Alexander Neilson was born at Kincardine, near Stirling, Perthshire, and attested for the 99th Regiment at Perth on 13 August 1842, aged 18 years. He served a total of 21 years and 12 days, during which time he served abroad in the Australian Colonies 10 years 7 months, in New Zealand 2 years 2 months, in the East Indies 1 year, and in China 2 years 2 months. He was promoted to Corporal in December 1853, to Sergeant in August 1860, and was discharged at Cork on 24 August 1863. Sold with copy discharge papers.

The 99th Regiment arrived at Auckland from Sydney in June 1845, under the command of Colonel Despard. They took part in the unsuccessful storming of Ohaeawai on 1st July of that year, and at the capture of the fortified stockade of Rua-pekapeka on 11 January 1846. In the following month the regiment went south to Wellington where they took part in the Hutt War.