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Auction: 18002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 234

(x) Medical Staff

The Cape of Good Hope was one of the healthier stations for British troops, but the wars on the frontier imposed considerable strain on medical services. Regimental surgeons could usually provide adequate care for their charges, but there were an insufficient number of doctors to serve with the Colonial Forces and Native Levies; as a result, early in 1851, attempts were made to recruit civilian doctors who were prepared to expose themselves to the discomforts and hazards of the frontier.

South Africa 1834-53 (Staff Surgn. 2nd. Class W. Sall, M.D.), light contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine and toned


William Sall was born at Wigan on 1 September 1817, the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Sall, late of the Royal Newfoundland Veteran Companies. Appointed an Assistant Surgeon on the Staff in May 1839, young William went on to enjoy a spate of regimentals postings, among them the 95th Foot in November 1842, the 13th Dragoons in June 1843, the 5th Fusiliers in July 1847 and the 93rd Highlanders in March 1849.

He was appointed Staff Surgeon 2nd Class during his subsequent spell of active service in South Africa in the Third War and was one of just 17 medical practitioners entitled to the Medal for that campaign.

Sall gained advancement to Staff Surgeon 1st Class - afterwards Surgeon Major - in July 1855 and finally retired with the honorary rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals in October 1867. He died at Fulham, London in November 1884.


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Sold for
£750