Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Mashonaland 1890 Medal to Gunner A. M. Graham, Pioneer Column, later Native Commissioner at Inyati, where he was murdered at the outbreak of the Matabele Rebellion in March 1896

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse undated, 1 clasp, Mashonaland 1890 (Gnr. Graham, A. M., Pioneers) toned, extremely fine and rare £1200-1500

Alexander Miller Graham attested into the Pioneer Crops as a Trooper on 18 March 1890, and was appointed to “C” Troop. On 29 July 1890 he was fined 10/- and sentenced to 3 extra horse guards for neglect of duty in losing horses on guard. He is confirmed on the roll for the Mashonaland 1890 medal and clasp, one of 90 issued to the Pioneer Column, from a total issuance of 210 clasps for these operations.

Graham was appointed Assistant Native Commissioner and Cattle Inspector in December 1894, stationed at Inyati. He was murdered there on 26 March, 1896, at the beginning of the Matabele Rebellion in Rhodesia.

‘Another incident involving the [B.S.A.] Police occurred on 26 March 1896 at Inyati, where the Native Commissioner, A. M. Graham, originally of the Pioneer Corps, and the local police and ex-police put up a very brave defence against tremendous odds until they were all killed. Those concerned were Sub-Inspector Mark Handley and Trooper George Case of the M.M. Police and L. H. Corke and George Hurford, who had just left the Force to take up storekeeping.’ (Ref Men Who Made Rhodesia). See Lot 1058 for his brother’s Q.S.A. medal.