Full medal write up
SOUTH AFRICA 1877-79, CLASP, 1877-8-9 ‘CAPTN. W.R.B. CHAMBERLAIN, 2-24TH FOOT’
Major William Richard Bigsby Chamberlin, born 14 October 1839 at Retford, Nottinghamshire. He weas commissioned Ensign, 24th Foot on 1 May 1858 and was advanced to Lieutenant 21 October 1859 and Captain 16 May 1865. Awarded the Brevet rank of Major on 1 October 1877, he served in South Africa during the Kaffir War 1877-8, during which he Commanded ‘E’ Company. Taking part in various operations, he sustained an injury of some description, his entry in Mackinnon and Shadbolt stating:
“In consequences of injuries received whilst bush-fighting in the Kaffir War, Major Chamberlain was unable to go to the front with the 2nd Batt..”
Chamberlain served in the Zulu War 1879 but as a result of his injury he remained as Commandant at Fort Napier, Pietermaritzburg. After Isandhlwana the panic that hit Natal and in particular the defences prepared in Pietermartitzburg during a most uncertain time would have meant Chamberlain had a key roll to pay and probably goes a long way to explaining his Brevet Rank of Lt Colonel so soon after the War ended. Interestingly the ‘79’ date on his clasp suggests Chamberlain did actually cross into Zululand but this must have been during the second invasion as he was certainly otherwise employed during the first. Awarded the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 18th October 1879, no doubt for his services during the Zulu War, he retired 23rd October 1879.
An order published in the Manchester Evening News, 8 March 1879, records the following: “Brevet Major Chamberlain succeeds the late Colonel Pulleine in temporary command of the 24th Regiment during the absence of Colonel Glyn.” The above almost certainly should mean the 1st battalion 24th Regiment as this was Glyn and Pulliene’s battalion. Exactly how long Chamberlain was in command of the has not been established but given the date of publication, it must have been within weeks of the battle of Isandhlwana and before reinforcements arrived.
The published medal roll mistakenly gives Chamberlain as ‘Major’, however the original medal roll has his rank at time of award as Captain and this is how his medal is and should have been named.
Condition NVF, edge bruising around 5-7 o’clock or better, attractive patina. A scarce and desirable 24th Officers medal.