Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private A. Forbes, Seaforth Highlanders, killed in action at Paardeberg, 18 February 1900 - later known as ‘Bloody Sunday’

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Hazara 1891 (2819 Pte. A Forbes 2d. Bn. Sea. Highrs.); India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Chitral 1895 (2819 Pte A. Forbes 2nd. Bn. Seaforth Highrs); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg (2819 Pte. A. Forbes, 2: Sea: Highrs:) generally very fine (3) £380-420

Alexander Forbes served with the 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders in India before transferring to the Army Reserve, 12 February 1896. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Second Boer War, and was killed in action at Paaderberg, 18 February 1900. On the latter date, the first day of the Battle of Paaderberg, the Highland Brigade bore the brunt of the attack and by nightfall British losses amounted to 24 officers and 279 men were killed and 59 officers and 847 men wounded. Judged by British casualties it was the most severe reverse of the war and became known as ‘Bloody Sunday’.