The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

The Second Afghan War medal to Private James Beard, 66th Foot, who was killed in action at the battle of Maiwand, 27 July 1880

Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (850 Pte. J. Beard, 66th Foot) nearly extremely fine £1,800-£2,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Private James Beard 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 was buried on the battle field where he fell, and 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.