Auction Catalogue

5 & 6 December 2018

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 374 x

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5 December 2018

Hammer Price:
£700

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Peiwar Kotal (Surgn. W. Jackson, 2. Pun. Iy.) contained in a contemporary glazed oval display case together with companion miniature medal, the case with some damage to outer frame, otherwise nearly extremely fine (2) £400-£500

Warwick Jackson was born on 20 June 1841. Qualified L.R.C.P. and S. Edinburgh 1867; Assistant Surgeon, 1 April 1868; Surgeon, 1 July 1873; Surgeon Major, 1 April 1880. Surgeon Major Jackson served in Afghanistan 1878-79, and was in medical charge of the 2nd Punjab Infantry throughout the first campaign, being present at the assault and capture of the Peiwar Kotal (Medal with Clasp).

The 2nd Punjab Infantry formed part of the 1st Brigade of the Division under General Roberts which crossed the Kuram into Afghanistan on 21 November 1878. On 28 November 1878, the regiment was present at the affair at the foot of the Peiwar. On the night of 1 December 1878 it formed part of the right flank of the attack on the Peiwar heights under the immediate command of General Roberts, and was engaged with the enemy during the greater part of the following day. Whilst General Roberts was carrying out the second turning movement, the regiment was left to hold the ridge which had been gained by our troops, and repulsed several attacks of the enemy, bivouacking on the same ground during the night.

Throughout the winter of 1878-79 the 2nd Punjab Infantry was under canvas on the Peiwar heights, employed on fatigue, picquet, and escort duties of the most arduous description. Hard work, combined with exposure to snow and excessive cold, produced great sickness and mortality amongst the native ranks, the want of warm clothing, which was not issued until towards the close of the winter season, being keenly felt.

Subsequently the regiment was ordered down to Habib Killa in the Kuram Valley, being relieved by the 28th Native Infantry, and in April 1879, on the recommendation of a medical committee, was ordered back to India.

Surgeon Major Jackson afterwards served on the North West Frontier in the Mahsud Waziri expedition of 1881. He retired on 8 April 1888, and died on 5 April 1901.