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Auction: 8010 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 128

An Extremely Rare ´Piper´s´ Campaign Group of Four, With All The Medals Named to that Appointment, to A. ´Sandy´ Corbett, 72nd Highlanders, Who Was One of Only Two Pipers to Play the Regiment into the City Of Kandahar After Their Long March Afghanistan 1878-80, four clasps, Peiwar Kotal, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (1566 Piper A. Corbett. 72nd Highrs.); Egypt 1882-89, dated, one clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (1566 Piper A. Corbett.... Highrs.), suspension slack; Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1566 Piper A. Corbett 72nd Highlanders); Khedive´s Star 1882, reverse engraved in sans serif capitals ´1566 Piper A. Corbett 1/Sea: Hrs.´, suspension ring of last soldered, contact marks throughout, therefore good fine or better, with a hand written copy of the poem (4) Estimate £ 6,000-7,000 1566 Piper Alexander ´´Sandy´´ Corbett, born Avoch, Ross-shire, 1852; joined 78th Highlanders (no.1779), 1868, having previously served with the Inverness Militia; transferred 72nd Highlanders, 1870; appointed Piper 1878, in time for the campaign in Afghanistan, at the close of the march from Kabul to Kandahar in September 1880, "only two Pipers, Corporal Donald Cameron and "Sandy" Corbett (the latter being carried in a dhoolie until within a mile of the city) were able to play the Regiment into Kandahar" (D. Crawford, refers); he saw service in the Egyptian War of 1882, where the Highland Brigade went on to distinguish itself at the battle of Tel-El-Kebir, after which Corbett is believed to have written the following poem: Following a Star Over the desert at midnight with a rapid silent stride Were marching the British soldiers and their gallant sailor guide. God help them all if he failed to find his way in the gloom aright For his comrades lives and his country´´s fame were placed in his hands that night. Never a faltering moment unsteadied the ranks he led, They pressed on their silent way with the sail at their head. On through the gloom and darkness screened them watchful foes, Till the goal they sought was safely gained as the sudden morning rose. Quick the alarm was sounded, quick was the one laught made, Sharp was the fight, but the foe fell back from the British fire and blade. Many a heart that late beat high was stilled in that hour foraye And among the first of the British men fell the men who led the way. Sadly they bore him back to die and the kindly general came, Bent over his friend with grateful thanks, pity and promised fame Never a worry said the dying man of his pain or his hapless fate But the eager words came "General didn´´t I guide you straight". It was a star you know, a star, a star that backward fell His young life closed with the service done and the trust fulfilled so well As long as an English voice shall speak of the Tel-El-Kebir fight Will be heard the brave young soldiers name who guided them straight that night. Nor say that his work was ended with the dead that led to death It may be a nobler mission wrought with his dying breath, For shall not the words he uttered like a living watchword shrill To the hearts of men enlisted in a higher service still. On through the unknown country while the goal yet lies afar Led through the gloom and darkness by the light of a guiding star God keep us following where it leads till the doubtful path grows straight And the march shall end and the conflict cease where it shines on the golden gate. Corbett was discharged 26.8.1884, after 16 years service, including 11 years in India and Afghanistan. 1 of approximately 3 Pipers of the Regiment to be awarded the Afghanistan 1878-80 medal with 4 clasps.

Estimate
£6,000 to £7,000