Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Colour-Sergeant J. J. McDermott, Devon Regiment, late 66th Foot

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Kandahar (B/41 Drumr., 66th Foot); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., small letter reverse (1795 Cr. Sgt., Devon Rgt.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (Cr. Sjt., Devon R.) contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise nearly very fine or better (3) £500-600

Drummer McDermott is more than likely not entitled to the clasp for Kandahar, although there is some confusion on the rolls. It is probable that he was a survivor of the disaster at Maiwand on 27 July 1880 when the 66th had 10 officers and 275 men killed. He subsequently transferred to the Devon Regiment, received his L.S. & G.C. medal in 1892, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in Army Order 297 of 1923. Sold with further research.