A Fine Collection of Medals for the First Boer War

The Zulu War Medal awarded to Private G. Bull, 60th King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed in action at Ingogo River on 8 February 1881

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (3079. Pte. G. Bull. 3/60th. Foot.) fitted with an elaborate engraved rifle inscribed ‘Bull, G.W.’, and an elaborate engraved top riband brooch bar inscribed ‘Died in the Battle of Ingogo South Africa Feby. 8th. 1881’, a couple of minor scratches to obverse field, otherwise nearly extremely fine £1,400-£1,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals for the First Boer War.

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George Bull served with the 3rd Battalion, 60th Rifles (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) in South Africa, and was killed in action at Ingogo River on 8 February 1881, during the First Boer War. The following extract is taken from Rifleman and Hussar by Colonel Sir Percival Marling, V.C., C.B.:
‘About 2.30 p.m. Sir George Colley sent Captain McGregor, R.E., to Colonel Ashburnham with a message that he was to send a company of the 60th Rifles out to the left, as he thought the Boers were going to rush the position. Colonel Ashburnham pointed out to the Staff Officer that ‘I’ Company were the only reserve he had, and asked would not half a company be sufficient. The Staff Officer replied “My orders are, sir, from the General, that you are to send a company, and if you will let me have them I will show you where to go.” This company, ‘I’, was commanded by Lieutenant Garrett, the other subaltern being Lieutenant Beaumont. The Staff Officer, Captain McGregor, went out with them, mounted. There is no doubt that he took them farther than he should have done. Captain McGregor, R.E., was himself killed. It was inevitable, considering the mark he presented. ‘I’ Company and the Boers were now only about 50 yards apart. Garrett was killed quite early, and every man in the company except 9 was either killed or wounded. Nothing could have been more gallant than their behaviour, many of them being quite young soldiers.’

Casualties in the 3/60th at Ingogo River amounted to 4 officers and 61 other ranks killed or died of wounds, a few of whom were drowned. A further 2 officers and 53 other ranks were wounded.

Sold with copied medal roll extract.