The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

The South Africa 1877-79 War medal awarded to Private Thomas Moffatt, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, who served in “B” Company at the defence of Rorke’s Drift

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (968. Pte. T. Moffatt. 2-24th Foot.) edge bruising and a little polished, otherwise nearly very fine £26,000-£32,000

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

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Provenance: J. B. Hayward & Son, June 1971.

Thomas Moffatt was born in 1855 and attested on 13 December 1876, being posted to 2/24th Foot on 22 January 1877. He served in “B” Company at the defence of Rorke’s Drift, and transferred from “B” to “G” Company on 29 January 1879. He afterwards served in India and returned home to England on 27 January 1883. Precise details of his services and date of discharge have not been traced. He later lived in Runcorn, Cheshire, and on the occasion of the Royal Visit in 1925 he, together with Thomas Taylor, a comrade from Rorke’s Drift, was introduced to King George V. He died on 19 November 1936, aged 80, and is buried in Runcorn Cemetery, where the grave marker bears his name together with that of his wife Martha and son John. His death certificate gives his occupation as ‘retired canal lock tender (Army Pensioner)’. His obituary in the Runcorn Weekly News carries a photograph of him wearing his medal under the headline: ‘The Last Survivor - Passing of a Zulu War Hero - A Runcorn Man’s Distinction - Took Part in Historic Defence.’

Sold with research including copied newspaper obituary.