Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

South Africa 1834-53 (J. McGuire. 43rd Regt.) a few contact marks, otherwise good very fine and a rare New Zealand casualty £600-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The John Nicholson Collection of medals to men who fought in the Kaffir Wars of 1834-53.

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John McGuire enlisted into the 41st Foot on 20 November 1850, aged 18. He transferred to the 43rd Foot in April 1852 and sailed for the Cape with a draft of the 43rd in October 1852, where he served in the Kaffir War of 1850-53 (Medal). The 43rd were ordered to India in December 1853, where they served throughout the Indian Mutiny of 1857-59 (Medal). In October 1863, the 43rd were ordered to New Zealand, landing at Auckland on 11 December, before moving to the Queen’s Redoudt, north of the Waikato River. Private John McGuire was dangerously wounded by a gunshot in the left chase and also slightly in the arm at the battle of Te Ranga on 21 June 1864 (WO 334/34 refers). He died of his wounds on 23 July 1864. New Zealand medals were not issued to the next of kin of those who were killed or died during the campaign.

Captain F. A. Smith, 43rd Light Infantry, who was severely wounded in the action, was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry at Te Ranga.