Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 43

(x) British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, 1 clasp, Mashonaland 1897 (3587 Pte P. Donnelly. 1/R. Dub. Fus.), contact marks, edge bruising, very fine

One of only 33 members of the Regiment to receive the medal for Rhodesia 1896, all were present for the Mashonaland Campaign.

Peter Donnelly was born at Balbriggan, Dublin, Ireland in 1870 and enlisted with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers at Naas on 29 March 1890. Posted to India with the 2nd Battalion on 22 February 1891, he qualified as a member of the Mounted Infantry on 6 October of that year. However, he soon began to suffer from debility in late 1892 and it was recommended he return to Britain on 15 January 1893, remaining there until 2 May 1896.

Posted to South Africa with the 1st Battalion he served with 33 men of his regiment in Rhodesia during the suppression of the Matabele revolt. Later the unit was to see further action in Mashonaland, likely in the role of mounted infantry and Donnelly was discharged afterwards on 23 December 1897.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£800

Starting price
£180