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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 113

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Kandahar (58-B/529, Pte. A. Sandilands, 72nd Highrs.), contact marks and pitting from Star, light edge wear, otherwise very fine

Alexander Sandilands was born in Edinburgh circa 1856 and found work as a labourer prior to his attestation with the 58th Brigade at their Depot in Edinburgh on 1 July 1875 when he was 19 years old. The following month, he joined the 91st Regiment of Foot and he served with them for nearly a year before he deserted at Belfast on 7 June 1877. Two years later, Sandilands rejoined the 58th Brigade and was imprisoned for his desertion until 11 September 1879. After his confinement, Sandilands joined the 72nd (Highlanders) Regiment on Foot in December.

Sandilands joined the Second Afghan War on 23 January 1880 when he arrived in Kabul with a draft from England. He participated in the march from Kabul to Kandahar in August 1880 and was present for the Battle of Kandahar on 1 September. The 72nd Highlanders were positioned in General Thomas Baker's 2nd Brigade during the conflict, which took quite an active role and cleared the walled enclosures and orchards around Gundigan - just West of the city - and helped to seize Pir Paimal. The Regiment faced 31 casualties as a result of the Battle.

Later that same month after their success at Kandahar the Regiment departed Kandahar for India, from whence Sandilands was posted to Egypt in August 1882. He was not to serve in the Egypt Campaign for long, however, and embarked for England in November 1882. One year later, Sandilands was discharged to the Army Reserve at Parkhurst on the Isle of Wight and thereafter intended to reside in Leith; sold together with copied research.

Sandilands is further entitled to a Kabul to Kandahar Star and an Egypt and Sudan Medal, with a clasp for Tel El Kebir, and a Khedive's Star 1882.


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Sold for
£140

Starting price
£70