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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 263

Natal Native Contingent

The Natal Native Contingent was formed by the G.O.C. for the Zulu War of 1879 from Natal Natives under white officers and N.C.O.s. The men carried native arms with 10 per cent rifles. The original three Regiments of seven battalions in all were reduced to five battalions after Isandhlwana, many of the N.C.O.s going to Lonsdale's Horse. In some battalions a few men were mounted and were used as scouts. According to Major G. Tylden in The Armed Forces of South Africa, 'The fighting value of the men was very low.' Coloured hatbands were the only uniform issued. Corporal Schiess of the 3rd Regiment won the V.C. at Rorke's Drift, whilst the future General Lukin, Commander of the S.A. Brigade in France in 1916, also served in the contingent.

100 Medals were awarded to the Natal Native Contingent, 8 of them with the '1877-8-9' clasp and 46 of them with the '1879' clasp.

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (Lieut: H. Reynell. Natal Nat: Contgt.), claw a little loose, very fine

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Estimate
£500 to £700

Starting price
£400