Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Sergeant J. Vassie, 92nd Highlanders, wounded at Kandahar, 1 September 1880

Afghanistan 1878-80, 3 clasps, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (... Corpl. J. Vassie. 92nd. Highrs.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1921 Lce. Corpl. J. Vassie 92nd. Highlanders); with the recipient’s Soldiers’ Total Abstinence Association 1 Year Medal, silver, heavy pitting to Afghanistan Medal from Star, therefore fine or better (3) £800-1200

John Vassie was born in 1846 at Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire, and attested for the 42nd Regiment of Foot (the Black Watch) at Stirling Castle on 22 January 1864. He transferred to the 92nd (Gordon) Highlanders on 31 October 1867, and was promoted Corporal on 9 October 1868. He served with the Regiment in India from 7 July 1864, and in Afghanistan during the Second Afghan War with the Kurram Field Force from 31 March 1879. He was present at the principal actions of Charasia, 6 October 1879, Kabul, 10-23 December 1879, the forced 310 mile march from Kabul to Kandahar, and the final battles at that latter place on 1 September 1880, where he suffered a gunshot wound to the left thigh. He subsequently served with the Regiment in South Africa during the First Boer War from 30 January 1881 until 29 January 1882, and was promoted Sergeant on 22 December 1882. He was discharged on 10 March 1885, after 21 years and 10 days’ service, and died on 20 September 1898 of a pulmonary haemorrhage.