THE EXCEPTIONAL SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9 PAIR TO A YOUNG NCO, N/5 ROYAL ARTILLERY WHO AFTER HAVING SERVED IN THE ZULU WAR DURING WHICH HIS BATTERY WAS DECIMATED AT ISANDHLWANA, SERVED AT LAINGS KEK DURING THE 1ST BOER WAR AND RECEIVED A RARE MENTIONED FOR HIS DEEDS AT THE DISASTROUS BATTLE AT INGOGO RIVER WHEN HE TOOK COMMAND OF THE GUNS AFTER HIS OFFICERS BECAME CASUALTIES AND SAFELY BROUGHT THEM FROM THE BATTLEFIELD DURING THE RETREAT

SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP, 1877-8-9 ‘1864. SERGT. T. TOOLE. 5TH BDE R.A.’ ARMY LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT, V.R.‘10107. BY Q.M.SGT T. TOOLE. R.A.’

Thomas Toole, from Charlton, Kent, joined the Royal Artillery at Woolwich on 11 April 1874, aged 14. Originally given service number 39990 with the rank of ‘Boy’, he was briefly mustered as Trumpeter on 10 May 1876 and Gunner on 10 June that year. Transferring to N/5, 5th Brigade and promoted Bombardier on 1 July 1877, he was promoted Corporal on 22 October and still only 18 years of age, to Sergeant on 12 January 1878. Four days previous to his, Toole had embarked to South Africa, he service records noting service during the:

“Kaffir War 1878, Zulu 1879, Transvaal 1880-1’ and specially noting ‘Present at Laings Nek 28/1/81. Ingogo 8/2/81 (vide Gaz).”

Under ‘Special instances of gallant conduct’ is written: “Conduct while in charge of the guns after Lieut Parsons was wounded, mentioned in despatches of Maj Genl Sir G.P. Colley at Mt Prospect 12.2.81” This being for his gallant conduct at the battle of Ingogo River. The full mention in the London Gazette, 29 March 1881 is as follows:

“I desire especially to mention the conduct of Serjeant-Major T. Toole, R.A., who well seconded Captain Greer and Lieutenant Parsons in working the guns till the end of the action and on whom the charge of the guns and the arrangements for their withdrawal devolved when the latter officer was wounded; also of Serjeant-Major Wilkins, 60th Rifles, who throughout the day was to be seen wherever the fire was hottest, setting an example to the men by his cool and steady shooting and cheerful gallantry.”

However, on 28 March 1881, Toole was tried and reduced to Corporal, the reason unknown but this likely had other consequences. Only one other non-Officer was mentioned in despatches for their gallantry at Ingogo River, this being Serjeant-Major Wilkins of the 60th Rifles and he was awarded the only Distinguished Conduct Medal for Ingogo; an award or a significant promotion/Commission usually following such a mention for an NCO or Other Rank. Toole received neither and though his misdemeanour was clearly not of a significant nature since he only received one step back in rank, such a black mark would usually affect awards being put forward. Regardless, Toole received a rare Mention for this disastrous campaign.

Returning home on 31 January 1882, he transferred to a Battery, 3rd Brigade and married Sara Cross at Weedon, Northamptonshire on 24 July 1883. Having been given the new service number 10107, he was re-promoted Sergeant on 17 November 1883, re-engaging on 25 February 1886, to complete 21 years service. On 1 July 1888, he transferred to 58th Brigade on re-organisation and was promoted Battery Quartermaster Sergeant 57th Brigade, 4 December 1889. On 4 April 1895 he was permitted to continue in the service beyond 21 years and shortly after received the Long Service Medal. Battery Quartermaster Sergeant Toole was finally discharged from the army on 6 November 1897; his character being noted as “Exemplary” and he was awarded a pension of 30 ½ d per die for life……………..

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Condition VF, mounted as worn with original ribbons and double medal brooch bar, reverse pin missing. Lovely patina to both medals.

An exceptional pair of medals to a gunner, mentioned for his actions at Ingogo River.