Orders, Decorations and Medals

Four: Private W. Strachan, 42nd Highlanders, later Seaforth Highlanders
Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (2007 Pte., 42nd High’ds. 1873-4); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (2930 Pte., 2/Sea. Highrs.); Army L. S. & G. C., V.R., type 3 ( 2930 Pte., Sea. Highrs.), replacement claw and scroll suspension; Khedive’s Sudan 1882, nearly very fine or better (4) £320-350

Private William Strachan was born at Falkirk, Stirlingshire in 1848. He attested for the 42nd Foot at Edinburgh in June 1871 at the age of 23. His first overseas service was in the Gold Coast in December1873, he took part in the Ashantee Campaign, returning to Portsmouth in March 1874, after a period of service in Malta he transferred to the Army Reserve in July 1877. He was recalled to the Colours on 18 April 1878, serving with the 42nd Highlanders until July of that year when he was moved to the 93rd Highlanders before being transferred back to the Army Reserve. On 5 January 1879 he rejoined the Colours serving first at the Depot of 55 Brigade before being posted to the 78th Highlanders. He sailed for India aboard H.M.S. Serapis on 6 January 1880 arriving at Poona on 10 February that year. He was with the 78th in Afghanistan August 1880-May 1881. On 13 December 1883 he re-engaged at Lucknow for 21 years and in 1888 served in the Hazara Campaign. He left India in November 1889 serving at the Depot until June 1892. He is additionally entitled to the Afghanistan Medal, no clasp and the India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Hazara 1888. Sold with copied service papers.