The Julian Johnson Collection

A rare ‘Maiwand’ Survivor’s Afghanistan 1878-80 medal awarded to Driver J. Todd, “E” Battery “B” Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Kandahar (3264. Driv: J. Todd. E. Batt: B. Bde. R.H.A.) very fine £800-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Julian Johnson Collection.

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Provenance: Christies, July 1990.

At Maiwand, on that disastrous day of 27 July 1880, ‘E’ Battery, ‘B’ Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery played a most conspicuous roll. It suffered as a consequence 2 officers and 19 other ranks killed and 2 officers and 14 other ranks wounded, gaining in the process two Victoria Crosses and eight Distinguished Conduct Medals. Retiring to Kandahar, E/B., R.H.A. served during the siege of Kandahar, with three guns mounted on the Herat facing wall and one on the Idgah Gate. During the battle of Kandahar, 1 September 1880, for which Driver Todd was awarded the clasp, the battery was attached to the Cavalry Brigade.

Sold with roll extracts which confirm the medal and clasp, and a letter from Brigadier H. B. Latham to John Tamplin (whose collection the medal was in at the time) referring to the medal, dated 15 May 1950.