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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 97

The Afghanistan Medal awarded to Private W. Hill, 15th Hussars, who later saw service during the First Anglo-Boer War

Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (926 Pte. W. Hill.15th Hussrs.), minor pitting, very fine

William Hill was born at Tenterden, Kent on 15 May 1847, the son of William and Lucy Hill of 2 Winchester Terrace, Kensington. He enlisted at Westminster on 22 February 1867 with the 15th Hussars but deserted only five months later, rejoining in May 1868 when he was imprisoned for 58 days.

Hill was posted to India on 13 November 1869, being imprisoned twice more for disciplinary infractions but despite that being advanced Lance Corporal in 1876. He was unable to hold onto the rank however and reverted Private just prior to the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1877.

The 15th Hussars entered the war in southern Afghanistan with one Squadron seeing action at Sauf-u-din under Major Luck, charging a force of Afghan cavalry. They were successful but suffered seven men wounded including the Major. Posted to Kandahar they returned to India after the Treaty of Gandamak and returned to Afghanistan as part of General Phayre's Division for the second phase of the war.

They arrived at Kandahar after the relief of the city by General Roberts and shortly after returned again to India. Posted to South Africa in January 1881 Hill was to see the First Anglo-Boer War there, the Regimental muster rolls have him in Ladysmith and Pietermaritzburg at various points in 1881. The 15th was present at Majuba Hill with one troop screening the retreat of the infantry after their defeat atop the Kopje.

Returning to Britain the next year Hill was discharged at Shorncliffe on 1 August 1882. In spite of the length of his service and the two wars he saw service in this comprises his full entitlement, his early infractions ruled him out from having an L.S. & G.C., however his character upon discharged was declared 'good'.

Sold together with copied research including service papers as well as typed and handwritten research.

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Sold for
£130

Starting price
£80