Full medal write up
SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP, 1877-8-9 ‘1446 PTE A.J. BRADY, 90TH FOOT’.
Group additional consists of the following original paper items:
1) Soldiers Account Book in named fitted leather wallet
2) Parchment discharge
3) Documents relating to Brady’s funeral and expenses, these in poor condition
4) Three photographs, two of which appear to show Brady in old age
5) copy of newspaper cutting relating to his death
Additionally, an old jewellers case that the medal is contained in
John Brady, aged 19, from Glenamaddy, Galway, enlisted into the 90th Foot on 28 March 1877. He served in South Africa with his regiment from 1877, taking part in both the Gaika War of 1878 and the Zulu War of 1879. His soldiers account book confirming the above and also that he was present at the battles of ‘Kambula Hill’ and Ulundi. Each Entry during the period 1878-9 is signed off by Captain Laye who would have been Brady’s company commander and was Brevetted Major for his service during the Zulu War.
Brady was discharged from the army in October 1883 and subsequently joined the 3rd Battalion Manchester Regiment (Militia) on 12 August 1889 but was discharged unfit in 1895. He died in Hyde in 1933.
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 being conspicuous for their actions at the engagements of Kambula and Ulundi.
Condition VF, a few Small EK’s or better. Scarce to find with a soldiers book, especially with the battles entries and knowing the company the recipient served in. The 90th certainly one of the best Regiments for the Zulu War.