A rare Natal long service group of three awarded to Head Warder H. Buckingham, Natal Police, late 12th Lancers, Cape Infantry and Durban Light Infantry

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (33 Sergt., Durban L.I.); Natal 1906, 1 clasp, 1906 (Wdr., Natal Police); Natal L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (Prin. Wdr., Natal Police), contact marks, edge bruising and polished, thus generally good fine (3) £1000-1200

Henry Buckingham served in the 12th Lancers from October 1876 to May 1882, in which latter month he transferred to the Cape Infantry. Having then remained employed in the latter capacity until May 1885, he returned to military duty in Lieutenant Molyneux’s ‘A’ Company, Durban Light Infantry, in the Boer War, thereby seeing action at “Fort Molyneux” when it came under attack from a 1000-strong Boer force in October 1899 - the Company ‘retired, steadily fighting, across the river, while helmets were pierced and clothing slashed’ by the enemy’s fire. Returning to his duties in the Natal Police at the end of hostilities - a force he had joined back in June 1894 - he eventually rose to the rank of Head Warder; both his 1906 Rebelllion and rare Natal L.S. & G.C. Medals are confirmed by official sources, the latter having been issued to him in November 1909.