Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Second Afghan War Medal awarded to Private J. Stephens, 66th Foot, who was killed in action at the Battle of Maiwand, 27 July 1880

Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (1513 Pte. J. Stephens. 66th. Foot.) suspension bar replaced with small ring suspension for wearing on a chain, heavily worn and edge bruised, therefore fair £500-£700

Joseph Stephens attested for the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment of Foot and served with the Regiment in Afghanistan during the Second Afghan War. He was killed in action at the Battle of Maiwand, 27 July 1880, ‘one of the grandest examples of heroism in the annals of war’, where the Regiment lost its Colours and 10 officers and 275 other ranks were killed. He is commemorated on the ‘Maiwand Lion’ Memorial in Forbury Gardens, Reading.

Following the loss of the 66th Foot’s Colours at Maiwand, and those of the 24th Foot at Isandhlwana the previous year, the British Army ended the tradition of carrying Colours into battle.