A Fine Collection of Medals for the First Boer War

Pair: Private P. Coyle, 92nd Highlanders, later 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, who was wounded at Majuba Hill during the last major engagement of the First Boer War on 27 February 1881

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Kandahar (B/98 Pte. P. Coyle. 92nd. Highrs.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (56/98 Private P. Coyle 92nd. Highlanders) edge bruise to first, very fine and better (2) £700-£900

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

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Peter Coyle was wounded in the action at Majuba Hill on 27 February 1881, the final and decisive battle of the First Boer War, that resulted in a resounding victory for the Boers. Having occupied Majuba Hill on the night of 26-27 February, Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley’s force of some 405 men, comprising 171 men of the 58th Regiment of Foot, 141 men of the 92nd Highlanders, as well as a small naval brigade from H.M.S. Dido, were not properly dug in, and were unable to withstand the three Boer storming parties the following morning. Colley himself was was killed by a Boer marksman, and total British casualties were 92 killed, 134 wounded, and 59 captured. The 92nd Highlanders suffered 34 all ranks killed in action; 12 subsequently dying of wounds; and 52 all ranks wounded.

Sold with copied medal roll extract.