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Auction: 18002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 225

(x) The 72nd (The Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders) Regiment

The Regiment had been in South Africa since 1828 and were garrisoned at Cape Town at the commencement of hostilities. Their early role involved bringing in missionaries, traders and settlers to the comparative safety of Fort Willshire. Subsequently, the Highlanders found themselves in more dangerous situations; with three companies of Provisionals, Captain Murray and 100 men of the 72nd were sent to intercept 600 men under Chief Tyalie who settled upon a high and rugged cliff later called Murray's Kranzt. The troops scaled the heights under a shower of spears and stones and had several men wounded before the natives fled. The Regiment continued to harass the enemy until the war's end, constructing a series of forts to consolidate their position.

South Africa 1834-53 (Lieut: L. X. Leslie. 72nd. Regt.), an official replacement issue, circa 1880, engraved in sloping capitals, very fine

Lewis Xavier Leslie was appointed an Ensign in the 16th Foot in December 1813 and served in the campaign in Canada in the following year.

Having then been advanced to Lieutenant in July 1824 - and exchanged to a number of regiments - he witnessed active service in South Africa with the 72nd Regiment, when he served in the First War and was employed in the operations of June and July 1835. At the time, the men were involved in erecting Fort Beresford, Fort Murray and Fort Coke. During July and August the enemy made desperate efforts and during an attack on Fort Wellington the regiment had a man killed. Forays under chiefs Tyalie and Macomo continued until the peace treaty was ratified, however the 72nd were gradually relieved by the 75th and were able to return to Cape Town towards the end of 1835 (Medal).

Leslie was placed on half-pay at the end of 1840 but appears to have held a Captaincy in the 97th Regiment before taking final retirement in November 1851.


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Sold for
£480