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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 311

An extremely unusual group of three awarded to Private M. Vincent, 14th Regiment of Foot, who served for 21 years, his diary entries have since been compiled into a book on his experiences titled 21 years in the Queen's Army, which notes that during his time he made the acquaintance of the future Lord Kitchener finally settling in Tasmania where he was awarded his Imperial Service Medal for his work with the Government

New Zealand 1854-66, the reverse dated 1861-1966 (1341. Willist Vincent. 2nd Bn 14th Regt), the first letter of surname incorrect; Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (1341. Pte. M. Vincent. 2/14th Regt.); Imperial Service Medal (Millist Vincent); the last in its Elkington&Co. box of issue, the first two with fitted attractive silver buckles, all three mounted individually as worn, minor contact wear, overall very fine (3)

Millist Vincent was born at Chertsey, Surrey on 28 February 1843 and attested in 1860 having been orphaned at an early age. He was not long in Britain before being posted to New Zealand with the 14th Foot, where he saw heavy fighting. They were present for the Taranki War and later the Waikato War and South Taranki, proving themselves one of the most enduring and capable British regiments to take part in the war.

They were finally posted away to Adelaide, South Australia on 19 October 1866 and notably a year later a force of 187 men of the Regiment were posted to Tasmania. This included Vincent who arrived there on 23 August 1867, the first time in his life that he was to see the city.

Returning to Britain in 1870 he spent some time in Ireland and it was likely there that he made the acquaintance of Lord Kitchener who was later to give Vincent a reference. Posted away again the Regiment landed in India on 8 November 1878 and went into action in Afghanistan on 27 January 1880.

Finally discharged on 26 October 1881, Vincent took ship for Hobart Town again where he was to settle and live for the rest of his life, finally dying in 1931. The Mercury newspaper printed an obituary for him which states:

'Vincent. - On July 2, 1931, at his residence, 64 Napoleon Street, Battery Point, Millist, beloved husband of the late Margaret Vincent, aged 88 years. Late Band Sergeant Prince of Wales Own, 14th Regiment, England, and late of City and Garrison Bands, Hobart. For many years officer-keeper and messenger Government Buildings, Davey Street.'

Sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£2,300

Starting price
£280