Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 7022 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 1099

South Africa 1834-53 (Corpl. J. Saul. Rl. Saprs. & Minrs.), contact marks, edge bruising, therefore good fine Estimate £ 340-380 Sergeant John Saul, born St. Pancras, London; joined Royal Sappers and Miners, 1839; Corporal 1848; served during the 3rd Kaffir War with the 15th Company, including as part of a detachment of 46 men under Captain C.D. Robertson, who took part in the action at Committy´s Hill, 1.9.1851, ´A body of Kaffirs and Hottentots being at Committy´s Hill , the troops marched on the 1st September from their bivouac at Fort Montgomery Williams by Breakfast Vley to the Hill. One division of the sappers was extended as flankers on each side of the advancing column, and upon them a galling fire was soon opened from the bush. The sappers readily charged into it, and where the thicket could be penetrated drove the enemy back; but the denseness of the kloof in rear afforded the Kaffirs much security in retreating. Having ascended the summit of the hill the sappers faced right about, and made a rapid charge down the hill on the enemy, who were gradually collecting in the bush from which they had been driven, and inflicted considerable loss upon them. The charge was made with cheering, yet not in a hurry; the men stopped at each kloof and fired volleys into it, and then dashed after the fugitives´ (History of the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners, T.W.J. Connolly refers); saw further service as part of a detachment under Lieutenant Fowler which assisted in the pontoon bridging of the Kei River, January 1852; Sergeant 1858; discharged 1861, after 21 years and 337 days service; Sergeant on the Staff of the 1st East Middlesex Militia, 1863; 1st Class Sergeant-Instructor 1st Durham Rifle Volunteer Corps, 1868-1880 (entitled to L.S. & G.C.).

Sold for
£360