Full medal write up
SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP, 1879 ‘730 PTE J. CONNOR. 90TH FOOT’.
James Connor, an 18 year old Butcher from Clonigish, Longford, joined the 90th Foot in 1875 and served with the Regiment in South Africa during the South Africa Campaigns of 1877-9. He was discharged from the army in December 1879 due to wounds received at the battle of Kambula during the Zulu War of 1879.
His claims to pension submitted to Chealsea Board on 30 December 1879, notes under cause of discharge:
“Gunshot Wound of shoulders at Kambula, bullet cut out near margin of right scapula – spine of right scapila injured & several pieces of bone came away – doubtful if right arm will ever be strong.”
It confirms he was aged 22 years on discharge and had served for 4 years in the army, including 1 year, 8 months in South Africa. His intended place of residence, Castle Coole, Enniskillin.
The 90th saw service throughout the Kaffir War of 1877-8, seeing a good deal of action during the operations in the Waterkloof and Perie Bush. During the Zulu War of 1879, the 90th formed part of Wood’s column, taking part in the early war action at Zunguin Nek and being conspicuous for their actions at the battle of Kambula, fought on 29 March 1879, the outcome of which was in the balance for a time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kambula
Overall casualties for the battle were 18 killed and 65 wounded, 10 of the latter dying of wounds. The 90th suffered the brunt of the casualties, with 8 killed and 26 wounded. Of this number, 1 Officer and 5 OR’s died of their wounds.
Condition VF, some contact wear and minor EK’s, polished. Sold with copy Royal Hospital Chelsea of discharge.
Battle of Kambula casualty medals rarely come up for sale.