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Auction: 20002 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Space Exploration
Lot: 27

South Africa 1834-53 (T. Quinlan, 1st Btn. Rifle Bde.), traces of lacquer, edge nicks, very fine

Thomas Quinlan was born circa 1814 and attested for the Rifle Brigade on 8 December 1831 at London. Receiving a bounty of £3 he joined the Depot Company at Dover. Serving at home and on the Channel Islands, the Rifle Brigade were called to action during the Chartist Movements in 1839, including at the Birmingham Bull Ring Riot when they routed the crowds. In November 1839 the 9th and 10th Service Companies - Quinlan included - travelled for service on Malta and the Ionian Islands. They then went onto the Cape of Good Hope in 1846.

The unit saw varied service in South Africa and notably were present at the Battle of Boom Plats, 18 August 1848, when Quinlan would have shared in the charge. Joined by the 45th and 91st Regiments and the Royal Artillery, the Rifle Brigade had been addressed by Sir Harry Smith before and greeted his plans for attack with loud cheers. When the Boers sprung up the Rifle Brigade showed their worth, breaking through and clearing the enemy with rifle, sword and fist. Having marched well over 1,000 miles during the campaign, they returned to England in the spring of 1850.

Married in 1852, Quinlan was discharged as unfit in June 1853 with an Army Pension. He died in London in September 1867; sold with a file of detailed research and muster extracts.

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Sold for
£420

Starting price
£240