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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 61

(x) Afghanistan 1878-80, 4 clasps, Peiwar Kotal, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (1139 Pte. E. Purcell. 72nd Highrs), pitting, edge bruise, nearly very fine

Edward Purcell served with the 72nd Foot in India, he was noted as being stationed at Umballa in 1871. He was still in India when the Regiment went into action at the Battle of Peiwar Kotal. They formed part of the main storming party which slipped along the Spingawi Kotal to attack the Afghan forces in the flank, storming the steep and heavily defended position alongside the Gurkhas. At Charasia they again formed alongside the Gurkhas to attack the centre of the Afghan line storming not one but two defensive lines. Finally the unit was present for the defence of Kabul in the winter of 1879 and the Kabul to Kandahar March, reaching the city of Kandahar in time to defeat Ayub Khan. They stormed the heights above the city and captured the village of Gundigan at bayonet point. Purcell was discharged on 4 March 1884. He is further entitled to a Kabul to Kandahar Star (sold Noble's 8-11 April 2008, Lot 4920), an Egypt 1882-89 medal with clasp Tel-El-Kebir and a Khedive's Star dated 1882.

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

Estimate
£400 to £600

Starting price
£320