Dixons Gazette 77 - due soon

 

 

I love these multi-campaign groups and this one, albeit missing its LSGC, would be a good one to own.  It's currently up with Dixons for £1800. The write-up reads:

 

"William James Smith...  was born in the Parish of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Middlesex [and]originally enlisted in the 54th Foot in September 1870, aged 24 years. Subsequently advanced to Armourer Sergeant, he transferred to the 72nd Highlanders in February 1877 and witnessed active service in India and Afghanistan, October 1871-August 1882 and in Egypt, August-October 1882..."

 

Dixons' next catalogue is due out soon.



Kabul to Kandahar Star

Instituted:
Authorised on 19th March 1881.

Qualification:
It was awarded to all those who took part in General Roberts’s three hundred mile march from Kabul to Kandahar between 9th and 31st August 1880.

Description:
A five-pointed star with a ball between all of the points except the two uppermost where a crown is fixed. The obverse has the mongram VRI in the centre. Around the border is KABVL TO KANDAHAR and the date 1880 at the bottom. The reverse is plain except for naming in the hollow centre (see below). Designer unknown; manufactured by H Jenkins & Sons of Birmingham.

Ribbon:
38mm wide and a rainbow pattern of red, white, yellow, white, blue.

Naming:
Indented capitals to British troops; engraved in capitals and script to natives.

Clasps:
None issued.

Other:
The Kabul to Kandahar Star was usually issued with the Afghanistan Medal (with Kandahar clasp) and was made from guns captured from the army of Ayub Khan.

Errors in naming to Foot instead of Regt have been found (Childers' 1881 reforms saw the old Regiments of Foot giving way to new County Regiments).

Photo:
Image borrowed from the Dixons Medals website.