Victorian South Africa Medal 1877-1878-1879 Clasp to a deser...

Estimate

£400 - £600

Victorian South Africa Medal 1877-1878-1879 Clasp to a deserter, 406 Pte J Giblin 90th Foot. Complete with ribbon and research.
South Africa Medal Pte Giblin is listed as a deserter - he wasn't. Whilst stationed in Ireland he was charged with desertion however, there is no record of any proceedings and he remained with the regiment. In 1878 the 90th arrived in South Africa where they fought in the Ninth Xhosa War and in 1879 Giblin with the 90th participated in the battles of Kambula and Ulundi. If he had been found guilty of desertion he would not have received the medal and clasps. A medal to a deserter is of less interest to a collector than one known to have fought in actions against the Zulus and Giblin didn't desert. As a note - Pte Giblin was from Ireland so it was feasible that whilst stationed there he visited family/friends in his home town and returned late to barracks, hence the desertion charge.