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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 76

Afghanistan 1878-80, 4 clasps, Peiwar Kotal, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (2077. Pte. A. Mill. 72nd. Highrs.), pitting, edge bruising, light edge wear, nearly very fine

Alexander Mill was born at Aberdeen in 1852 and attested on 16 October 1872, although he soon deserted and remained absent between December 1872- September 1873 when he was captured and imprisoned. Allowed to return to the ranks Mill was posted to India on 28 January 1874 and was still there when the Regiment went into action at the Battle of Peiwar Kotal.

They formed part of the main storming party which slipped along the Spingawi Kotal to attack the Afghan forces in the flank, storming the steep and heavily defended position alongside the Gurkhas. At Charasia they again formed alongside the Gurkhas to attack the centre of the Afghan line storming not one but two defensive lines. Finally, the unit was present for the defence of Kabul in the winter of 1879 and the Kabul to Kandahar March, reaching the city of Kandahar in time to defeat Ayub Khan. They stormed the heights above the city and captured the village of Gundigan at bayonet point.

Mill left Afghanistan on the end of the war and was part of General Wolseley's army in Egypt in August 1882. During this campaign the 72nd Highlanders- then renamed the Seaforth Highlanders- went into action at Tel-El-Kebir however Mill was not amongst them and is listed as not being entitled to the clasp. Returning home in November 1882, he continued to serve until 12 January 1892; sold together with copied medal rolls and service papers.

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Sold for
£500

Starting price
£280