Description
South Africa 1877-9, aka Zulu War Medal, bar 1879, 417 Private W. Muspratt, 2nd Bn 3rd Regiment of Foot, aka The Buffs or East Kent Regt. Unusually named to 1st Bn.
Officially engraved: “417 Pte W. Muspratt. 1/3rd Foot”
Confirmed on the medal roll, which notes he was invalided home from the war on 2nd May 1879, his medal being issued to him on 6th October 1881.
Having been invalided home this seems to be the source of his very unusual medal named to the 1st Battalion 3rd Foot, who did not serve in the war unlike the 2nd Battalion, who he had served with.
Private W. Muspratt first attested for service in the on 9th October 1875.
He served in the Zulu War of 1879, earning the 1879 clasp, the roll noting “Yes” in the column: “Whether Engaged against the Zulus”.
He was invalided home early during the war on 2nd May 1879.
After his return home, the regiment was reformed during July 1881, becoming the Buffs (East Kent) Regiment, joining the 1st Battalion.
Following his 12 year contract he was now a member of the 1st Bn (Buffs) East Kent Regiment, when he was discharged to the Army Reserve on 8th October 1887.
