Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 25

South Africa 1834-53 (Serjt D. Kettles. Cape. Mntd. Rifles.), light polishing, edge bruising, overall very fine

David Kettles was born at Dunning, Perth, Scotland on 1 March 1808, the son of David and Margaret, Kettles. Attesting with the 91st Regiment at Perth on 19 December 1825 and being posted to St. Helena. Here he served for over 3 years before joining a large detachment of the Regiment in travelling to South Africa. Here he was appointed first Corporal on 1 November 1939 and then promoted Sergeant on 31 March 1843. Like many of the 91st Regiment he joined the Cape Mounted Rifleman.

He was still serving with them as a Sergeant when the 'War of the Axe' broke out in 1846. The British forces found themselves fighting a fast moving opponent fighting a hit and run conflict. Slow moving columns of troops found themselves either ambushed or unable to close with their enemy. When the conflict finally ended it was not long before trouble flared up with the Boers, leading to the Battle of Boomplaats.

Here a force of 400-500 Boers was opposed by a British Army including four companies of the Cape Mounted Rifles. While there is no roll of the men of that unit which took part in the Battle the Sergeants muster rolls for that day give no location for Kettles unlike the others who are given garrison stations. He was finally discharged on 31 January 1849, despite his character being referred to as good he was not entitled to a L.S. & G.C. medal.

Kettles settled in South Africa after his discharge and eventually purchased a farm at Cowie River in 1863. He died at the house of Richard Trimble, Macdonald Street, Grahamstown on 1 August 1889; sold together with copied research including discharge papers, medal roll, attestation papers and correspondence between the recipient and colonial government relating to his farm along with Chelsea Pension records and Will.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£520

Starting price
£240