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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 155

17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own)

We refer to The Royal Lancers for their participation:

In 1879 Sir Bartle Frere Governor of Transvaal was in dispute with Cetewayo, King of the Zulus. Even though the Boundary Commission had found in favour of the Zulus, Frere demanded compensation. Cetewayo refused to concede and Frere ordered an invasion under the command of Lord Chelmsford with a force of 5000 British and 8000 native troops against 40,000 Zulus. Initially the campaign went disastrously with one of Chelmsford’s three columns being routed at Isandlwhana. Immediate reinforcements were called for from Britain and thus the 17th embarked for active service. The Regiment landed in time for the new British offensive starting in July 1879. The objective was Cetewayo’s royal kraal at Ulundi, which the force reached on 4th July 1879. Initially the British infantry squares (containing the 17th) had to withstand a concerted effort by the attacking Zulus. As the ferocity of their attacks slackened, the regiment were ordered to form line and charge. This they did breaking the Zulu infantry and pursuing the enemy for two miles. The effect was so devastating that the Zulu Army never again took to the field.

625 Medals issued to the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own), 594 with the '1879' clasp.

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (2053. Pte. T. Rhind. 17th D.C.O. Lrs.), very fine

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Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480