Full medal write up
SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP 1879 ‘LIEUT: H. HANCOCK NATAL NAT: CONTGT’
Herbert Hancock was appointed Lieutenant in number 3 company Natal Native Pioneers circa 4 January 1879 (GO 9. 12 January 1879). 3 company were attached to Durnford’s number 2 column at the outbreak of the Zulu War.
The following from Zulu War – volunteers, Irregulars and Auxiliaries;
“The Natal Govt regularly called on clan leaders to supply men to assist in road maintenance and repairs. It was therefore a natural progression to form a part of the N.N.C as a pioneer section to work on engineering tasks, repairing roads and river crossings and building earthwork fortifications. In all, 3 comp were formed with a nominal strength of 5 European officers, 4 African officers and 96 pioneers (although it seems only no 2 comp attained this target). The original plan proposed that Royal Eng Officers would command each co, but there simply wasn’t enough available. The Natal Govt accepted responsibility for the pioneers, recruited officers and supplied equipment. Unlike other NNC units the pioneers received uniforms from the outset, each man was issued a pre - 1872 red serge " frock " of the British infantry with the facing colour removed, loose fitting knee length white canvas trousers, a blue pillbox forage cap with yellow band, and an army greatcoat. Each man was allocated either a pickaxe, a shovel, an axe or crowbar, while firearms confirmed the status of the African NCO’s .”
Just 13 medals awarded to the Natal Native Pioneers, one of which was returned unissued. 12 medals to Officers, all with clasps and 1 to a Clerk who was issued with a no clasp medal.
Hancock’s medal featured on pg138 of Roy Dutton’s medal roll.
Condition VF, couple of small EK’s.