Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

South Africa 1834-53 (Clr.-Serjt. W. Hume. 72nd Regt.); together with Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., 3rd issue, an unnamed example added for display purposes, the first with light contact marks, very fine, the second extremely fine (2) £700-£900

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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Collection

139 medals to this regiment, all of whom served in the 1st Kaffir War 1834-35. Fewer than 400 medals were issued to men of the 27th, 72nd, and 75th Regiments, who fought during the 1st Kaffir War.

William Hume was born in the Parish of Edinburgh, Midlothian, and was attested for the 72nd Foot at Cupar, Fife, on 7 September 1825, aged 21, a glazier by trade. He served 23 years 25 days, including 8 years at the Cape of Good Hope, where he participated in the First Kaffir War of 1834-35. Hume was promoted to Corporal in January 1827, and to Sergeant in November 1829. He was discharged at Sheerness on 14 October 1848, ‘having been found unfit for the service of the Regt.’ Although his conduct was described as ‘very good’, his papers also note that he was ‘Tried by a Regt. Court Martial and sentenced to be reduced to the rank and pay of a Private Sentinel - sentence remitted by Comg. Officer with the exception of forfeiting his position as Sergt. Major to the Depot. Is in possession of a Medal for length of service & Meritorious Conduct - likewise draws £15 yearly.’ No indication is given of his offence but it is noted that he was ‘In confinement & Hospital previous to trial and sentence being made prior, 16 April 1848 to 1 June 1848.’

He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on 6 December 1847, having been recommended by Lieutenant-Colonel Gascoyne in February 1846, being one of the first recipients of this new award which would have been dated ‘1847’ on the edge. He also received an Annuity of £15 with the medal which, according to Ian McInnes, was being paid by the Indian Government in the mid-1860s. Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.