Description
Second Afghan War, 3 clasps – 92nd Highlanders.
Afghanistan 1878-79-80, clasps, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar, 1975 Sergt J. Grant 92nd Highrs.
James Grant was born ? (Appears to say Mediterranean, but we suspect it is Midlothian) during 1854
He enlisted on the 13th October 1868 (aged 14) serving at home to 22nd January 1872, East Indies to 30th March 1879, Afghanistan to 18th October 1880, East Indies to 29th January 1881, Cape Colony to 29th January 1882 (Likely present at Majuba Hill with the regiment), home to 24th November 1891, India to 15th January 1895, home to 29th January 1895.
Medal and clasps confirmed in his service papers and medal rolls, plus his entitlement to a Kabul to Kandahar Star.
The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880)
Ordered into Afghanistan in December 1878, the 92nd played a pivotal role in General Frederick Roberts’ Kabul Field Force. At the Battle of Charasiab on October 6, 1879, the regiment spearheaded an assault across rugged terrain, storming three heavily fortified hills to turn the Afghan flank. Major George White earned the Victoria Cross for personally leading the assault against superior numbers.
In December 1879, the 92nd helped hold the British perimeter during the Siege of Sherpur Cantonment, where Lieutenant William Dick-Cunyngham earned a second VC for the regiment. In August 1880, the regiment joined Roberts’ famous 300-mile forced march from Kabul to Kandahar. On September 1, 1880, at the Battle of Kandahar, the 92nd led the final bayonet charge that captured enemy artillery and broke Afghan resistance.
The First Boer War and Majuba Hill (1881)
Diverted to South Africa in early 1881 rather than returning to Britain, the 92nd was thrust into the First Boer War. On February 27, 1881, a detachment of 120 soldiers from the 92nd held the summit of Majuba Hill alongside elements of the 58th Regiment. Pinned down by superior Boer marksmanship and storming tactics, the British position was overrun, with the 92nd suffering heavy casualties in the defeat.
On July 1, 1881, under the Childers Reforms, the 92nd Foot was amalgamated with the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Foot to form The Gordon Highlanders:
2nd Battalion (Ex-92nd Foot): Rebuilt after Majuba Hill, the battalion returned to Great Britain for home garrison service across Scotland, England, Ireland, and the Channel Islands throughout the late 1880s and early 1890s.
Condition – Fine, Heavy contact marks to obverse and some to reverse from a Kabul to Kandahar star, naming worn but still clearly readable.
