Description
South Africa Zulu War Medal, bar 1879, Egypt Medal, no bar, Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, 999 Private William Smith, 57th Foot in South Africa and then 35th Royal Sussex in Egypt.
Zulu officially engraved: “50/744 Pte W. Smith. 57th Foot.”
Egypt Officially engraved: “999. Pte. W. Smith. 1/R. Suss. R.”
Zulu and Egypt pair in particularly well preserved condition almost no star pitting.
Khedive’s Star unnamed, some blunting to bottom left arm and contact marking.
A scarce combination we have never seen before as typically the only units to service in both the South Africa wars of 1877-9 and then Egypt were either Navy, Corps such as R.A. R.E. A.S.C. or the 60th Rifles KRRC, it would have necessitated a regiment change.
With photocopy of his original Parchment Army Form B128 detailing service.
Private William Smith of the 57th and 35th (Royal Sussex Regt) was born in Cookham, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
He had enlisted at Uxbridge on 29th February 1876 with the 50th brigade at the age of 19 years 8 months old.
He saw 7 years 29 days service with the Army, and 4 years 336 days service with the reserves, rounding out his 12 years terms of engagement and was discharged at Chichester on 1st March 1888 to pension.
He had spent 3 years 169 days overseas, his medal entry reading: “S. Africa Medal & Clasp, Egyptian 82 & Khedive Bronze Star.”
On service in the “Zulu” War of 1879, the 57th foot were engaged against the Zulu Nation at Gingindlovu on 2nd April 1879.
During the battle the British Forces formed a classic square formation, the 57th forming the right face, later for their bravery the 57th would receive a special mention in Lord Chelmsford’s despatch for their steadiness under fire.
