Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Private George Bale, 43rd Light Infantry, a confirmed participant of the action at the Gate Pah in New Zealand

South Africa 1834-53 (Geo. Bale, 43rd Regt.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59 (Geo Bale, 43rd Lt. Infy.); New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (3150. G. Bale 43rd Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (3150 Geo. Ball. 43rd Foot) note spelling of surname on last, suspension on first a little distorted, the first two with edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine, otherwise toned, better than very fine (4) £2,400-£2,800

George Bale was born in the Parish of Redmarley, near Ledbury, Worcestershire, and originally enlisted into the 12th Foot on 23 December 1845, aged 18 years 7 months, a labourer by trade. He transferred to the 43rd Light Infantry on 1 October 1853, while stationed in the Cape of Good Hope where both regiments were serving during the third Kaffir War (Medal). He served during the Indian Mutiny with the Sakas Column (Medal), and in New Zealand from 9 January 1864. He is confirmed as being engaged in the action at Gate Pah, 28 April 1864 (Medal). Bale was awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal in 1866 and was discharged to full pension on 19 February 1867.

Sold with copied discharge papers and a copy of Gordon Everson’s Gate Pah and the 43rd with full roll of those present in the action.