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Picture courtesy of Noonan's

SAGS (1) 1879 (1563 Pte. R. Hissey, 94th Foot)

Robert Hissey was born in the Parish of Sommers Town, London, and enlisted at Aldershot on 10 August 1870. Having declared that he had never served in any branch of the forces he was found, in September 1871, to belong to the 5th Middlesex Militia and in consequence was deprived of his pay until May 1874. He served in South Africa from 26 February 1879 until 16 October 1881, taking part in the Zulu War of 1879 and the Transvaal War of 1880-81. During the latter conflict he was one of the small garrison of the 94th that successfully defended the town of Lydenburg against besieging Boer forces for nearly three weeks. During the siege Hissey was severely wounded by a gun shot wound to his head on 9 February 1881. He appeared before a Medical Board at Pietermaritzburg on 15 May 1881, who recommended him for a change of climate to England. He was accordingly returned home to Netley Hospital in October 1881, and was discharged from the service from Netley, unfit for service, on 6 December 1881.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

Afghan (1) Kandahar (B/98 Pte. P. Coyle. 92nd. Highrs.);
Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (56/98 Private P. Coyle 92nd. Highlanders)

Peter Coyle was wounded in the action at Majuba Hill on 27 February 1881, the final and decisive battle of the First Boer War, that resulted in a resounding victory for the Boers. Having occupied Majuba Hill on the night of 26-27 February, Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley’s force of some 405 men, comprising 171 men of the 58th Regiment of Foot, 141 men of the 92nd Highlanders, as well as a small naval brigade from H.M.S. Dido, were not properly dug in, and were unable to withstand the three Boer storming parties the following morning. Colley himself was was killed by a Boer marksman, and total British casualties were 92 killed, 134 wounded, and 59 captured. The 92nd Highlanders suffered 34 all ranks killed in action; 12 subsequently dying of wounds; and 52 all ranks wounded.

A summary of the medals to casualties sold by Noonan's this week.

Anderson, Sgt P, 58th Foot. Sold for a hammer price of GBP 2,200. Totals: GBP 2,834. R 62,170. AUD 5,180. NZD 5,640. CAD 4,720. USD 3,450. EUR 3,220

Ayres, Pte R, 94th Foot. Sold for a hammer price of GBP 2,600. Totals: GBP 3,349. R 73,470. AUD 6,130. NZD 6,660. CAD 5,580. USD 4,080. EUR 3,810

Bull, Pte G, KRRC. Sold for a hammer price of GBP 2,400. Totals: GBP 3,091. R 67,820. AUD 5,660. NZD 6,150. CAD 5,150. USD 3,770. EUR 3,520

Coyle. Pte ), 92nd Highlanders. Sold for a hammer price of GBP 950. Totals: GBP 1,224. R 26,840. AUD 2,240. NZD 2,430. CAD 2,040. USD 1,490. EUR 1,390

Hardwick, C/Sgt J, 21st Foot. Sold for a hammer price of GBP 1,600. Totals: GBP 2,061. R 45,210. AUD 3,770. NZD 4,100. CAD 3,440. USD 2,510. EUR 2,340

Hissey, Pte R, 94th Foot. Sold for a hammer price of GBP 1,300. Totals: GBP 1,674. R 36,730. AUD 3,060. NZD 3,330. CAD 2,790. USD 2,040. EUR 1,900

Tull, Cpl FK, ASC, Sold for a hammer price of GBP 1,000. Totals: GBP 1,288. R 28,260. AUD 2,360. NZD 2,560. CAD 2,150. USD 1,570. EUR 1,470

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

SAGS (1) 1879 (W. T. Plastine, Lg. Seam. H.M.S. “Boadicea”)

Leading Seaman William T. Plastine was severely wounded by a gun shot which perforated his abdomen at the battle of Majuba Hill, 27 February 1881, and died of his wounds on 11 March 1881.

A Naval Brigade comprising 64 petty officers and seamen, under Commander Francis Romilly, R.N., with one Lieutenant and one Surgeon, took part in the battle of Majuba Hill, during the First Boer War. The Naval Brigade suffered heavy casualties with 20 killed or died of wounds, including Romilly and his Lieutenant, and 12 men wounded.