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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 300

(x) A rare M.S.M. group of four awarded to Colour-Sergeant W. Forsythe, 2nd Battalion, 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot, later New Zealand Forces

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse officially dated '1863 to 1866' (176. Drum Mjr. W. Forsythe, 2nd Bn. 18th Ryl. Irish Regt.); New Zealand Long & Efficient Service, 1st issue with 'New Zealand' suspension (W. Forsythe.), engraved naming; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R. (176. C. Serjt. W. Forsythe, 2-18th Foot); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (C. Sjt: W. Forsythe. 2nd 18th Foot.), all with matching top riband buckles, good very fine (4)

William Forsythe was born at Killery, Newry, County Armagh in 1839 and was a weaver by trade upon his enlistment into the 18th Regiment of Foot. He landed with his unit at the mouth of the Waikato in 1863 and shared in the actions up till 1866. Suffering a cataract, he lost the sight in his right eye and having risen from Drum Major to Colour Sergeant, took his discharge in New Zealand in April 1879. A Prison Warden at Napier by 1880, he had to wait until November 1913 for his M.S.M. with £10 Annuity to find its way to him. Forsythe died at Costley Home, Epsom, Auckland in July 1922 and is buried in the Waikaraka Cemetery; sold together with copied research including a photograph of the recipient, taken by Harding, Wanganui and held by the National Library of New Zealand.

His son was killed in the Boer War; for his Medal please see Lot 81.

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

Estimate
£2,000 to £3,000

Starting price
£1800