medal code J3353

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SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL

A VERY SCARCE SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9 TO A CAPTAIN OF THE 99TH FOOT WHO BELONGED TO ONE OF JUST THREE COMPANIES OF HIS REGIMENT WHO WERE BESIEGED AT ESHOWE BETWEEN 27 JANUARY AND 3 APRIL 1879 DURING THE ZULU WAR

SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP 1879 ‘CAPT C. C. NEVILE. 99th FOOT’

Captain Nevile served with the 99th Regiment in the Zulu war, including the investment of Eshowe being in one just 10 Officers of HQ and 3 Companies of the 99th that were besieged there between 27th of January and 3rd April 1879. Throughout the rest of the War the Regiment was split up and stationed at various forts and garrisons within Natal. 6 companies of the 3rd Foot (The Buffs) were also present at the siege of Eshowe.

Charles Cavendish Nevile was born in Leamington Spa on 8 September 1846 and was Commissioned Ensign in the 71st Foot on 17 November 1869 but immediately transferred to the 2nd West India Regiment. Promoted Lieutenant, 22 March 1871, he exchanged to the 99th Foot on 27 October 1871. Promoted Captain, 2 July 1879, Captain Nevile died of Brights Disease whilst on home Service on 18 February 1882.

Service abroad
West Indies – 17 July 1870 – 9 August 1871
Natal – 2 December 1878 – 30 October 1879
Bermuda – 22 June 1880 – 7 March 1881
South Africa – 8 March 1881 – 20 June 1881

Regarding the epic siege at Eshowe, I can highly recommend the outstanding ‘Fearful Hard Times The Siege And Relief of Eshowe 1879’ by Castle and Knight.

Condition some edge bruising, NVF or better. Sold with a large amount of copied research, including service record and much other research.

A very scarce medal to a Captain of the 99th Foot who was besieged at Eshowe.

Code J3353        Price £3,145