Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private J. T. Honor, 66th Foot, who was present at the Battle of Maiwand, 27 July 1880

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Kandahar (787. Pte. T. Honor. 66th. Foot.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (787. Pte. J. T. Honor. Berks: R.) light contact marks, very fine (2) £1,600-£2,000

John Thomas Honor was born in Bristol in 1849 and attested for the 66th Regiment of Foot at Bangalore on 9 November 1863, aged 14. He was classified as a Bandsman on 1 June 1869, and remained a Bandsman for the rest of his service. He served in India from his enlistment until 25 June 1865, and then again from 25 February 1870 to 19 January 1881, and saw service during the Second Afghan War.

Honor was present at the Battle of Maiwand, 27 July 1880, in which the Regiment suffered 10 officers and 275 other ranks killed, and 2 officers and 30 other ranks wounded, out of a total force of 20 officers and 469 other ranks- Honor was one of the survivors, and a subsequent letter to a newspaper (cutting included with lot) states: ‘I was in the same company with Mr. Honor in the 66th Foot, and, I believe, Mr. Honor was the only man who brought his musical instrument out of the Battle of Maiwand.’

Honor was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, together with a Gratuity, per General Order 52 of 1884, and was discharged on 29 December 1885, after 22 years and 51 days’ service.

Sold together with two hand-written testimonials written on the occasion of his discharge; the recipient’s original Parchment Certificate of Service; the recipient’s original Account Book; various original newspaper cuttings written many years after the event concerning participation at the Battle of Maiwand; and a large quantity of copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient in later life wearing his medals.