Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The South Africa 1877-79 War Medal awarded to Sergeant J. Key, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, who served in “B” Company during the epic Defence of the mission station of Rorke’s Drift, 22-23 January 1879, for which action a total of 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded, including seven to “B” Company, the greatest number of V.C.s given for a single action to one unit

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (2389. Lce. Sergt. J. Key. 2-24th. Foot.) edge bruise and minor edge nicks, otherwise good very fine £24,000-£28,000

John Key attested at Secunderabad, India, on 28 August 1871, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot. He was appointed a Drummer in 1873, but reverted back to Private in September 1877, and was appointed a Lance-Corporal in May 1878. He was promoted Corporal two months later, on 3 July 1878, and served as a Corporal in ‘B’ Company at the epic defence of the mission station at Rorke’s Drift on 22-23 January 1879.

The majority of the defenders of Rorke’s Drift (97 out of a total force of approximately 154) were members of ‘B’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, commanded by Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, and in total the Company received seven of the eleven Victoria Crosses given for Rorke’s Drift (to Bromhead, Corporal William Allen, and Privates Frederick Hitch, Alfred Hook, Robert Jones, William Jones, and John Williams), the greatest number of Victoria Crosses given to a single Regiment for the same action.

Key was appointed Lance-Sergeant in ‘A’ Company on 18 February 1879, and transferred to ‘H’ Company the following month, being promoted Sergeant on 20 March 1880. He was placed on the unattached List at Secunderabad on 1 March 1884.