Role of the 59th Foot, 2nd Afghan War

[Banker]

Hi All, I have just picked up an Afghanistan Medal to the 59th Foot with bar Ahmed Kel.

Can anyone advise much about this battle and the 59th participation?

Thanks & Regards Steve

[amoaful73]

http://www.britishbattles.com/second-af ... d-khel.htm

[Banker]

Many thanks very very informative

Regards Steve

[colenso]

Banker,
Once-upon-a- time I collected medals to the 59th foot, but I'm now down to four men's Afghan medals. However I have the medal rolls including all those who lost their lives whislt on service with them.

On its return to England, the Battalion deliberately chose to have a memorial to honour its dead of the Afghan War. Erected in the grounds of Nottingham Castle and unveiled on July 3rd 1884, the monument, and an obelisk of Irish granite made by William Jackson, records the names of the 42 men of the 59th who fell in action or who died of wounds or disease during the Afghan campaign. It appears that most deaths occurred in the summer of 1879, nineteen in July and August of 1879, and this whilst the 59th were based at Kandahar.

If you wish, I can check him out on the rolls, and whether he was one of the 42 men.

regards
colenso

[colenso]

Banker,

You have chosen a cracking regiment to research and one which over the years has given me a lot of pleasure in reseaching. 'Shadbolts' gives a little more of their involvement during the 1878-80 campaign, but should you require any more info please feel free to ask.

I include what's left of my collection, one to a Colour sergeant, one to a Corporal and two who unfortunately never made it back to England. 'The Lilly Whites' as they were known as, changed their title from the 59th foot to become the East Lancashire Regiment.

I hope this info is of help!

regards

colenso

[Banker]

Colenso, Many thanks for the info and also showing the remaining ones from your collection.

The one I have just purchased and awaiting delivery is to 15B 531 Pte J. Wright. With copy of muster & medal rolls. Enlisted and resided at Burnley, Lancs., discharged 1881 at Chatham and returned to Burnley.

If you have any further info on him I would love to hear.

I have always found these medals to be very attractive and have had a no bar to the Royal Artillery for many years and thought it was time to add a "companion" for it.

Regards Steve

[Trudy]

We had a grandfather ( and his brother) in this battle - Ahmed Khel, and we still have the medal for our grandfather. They both returned to England safely! The 59th was there under command of Lord Roberts. I have found photos/ sketches of the 59th out there on this campaign, and I also have a detailed account of the battle itself on 23rd April. Can let you have links etc if you are interested. Trudy

[Banker]

Hi Trudy, I would be interested in the links please

Regards Steve

[Garen]

The 59th was there under command of Lord Roberts.

I don't think the 59th were ever under General Roberts in Afghanistan, Trudy. They spent most of their time in the vicinity of Kandahar which was under General Stewart, and they marched north with him towards Kabul, fighting at Ahmed Khel along the way.

Best - Garen

[Trudy]

The 59th was there under command of Lord Roberts.

I don't think the 59th were ever under General Roberts in Afghanistan, Trudy. They spent most of their time in the vicinity of Kandahar which was under General Stewart, and they marched north with him towards Kabul, fighting at Ahmed Khel along the way.

Best - Garen

Many thanks- I wasn't sure, and should have been more cautious! It's great to have access to some monitoring! it WAS Stewart I meant- but I was away from my paperwork!
Trudy

[johnsmith]

Trudy

I have a letter dated 11 October 1880 from Thomas Moran - a private, Army No 129, in the A Company of 59th sent to my Great Grandfather John Smith (aka John Hunt) Army No 1969 1/60th KRRC. Happy to let you and anyone else have a copy together with a possible history of Thomas gleaned from Census information. (NB previously corresponded with Garen who was a great help regarding the letter and my GGrandfather).

Bernard