This Zulu War medal awarded to Corporal James Bushe who served at Rorke’s Drift is estimated at £40,000-50,000 in Dix Noonan Webb’s July 19-20 auction.
A Zulu War medal awarded to Corporal James Bushe who served at the Battle of Rorke’s Drift stars in Dix Noonan Webb’s sale in London on July 19-20.
Just over 150 British and colonial troops successfully defended the garrison against an intense assault by 3000-4000 Zulu warriors on January 22, 1879. According to an account written by Lieutenant Chard to Queen Victoria, Bushe, of the 2nd Battalion 24th Foot, was wounded in the nose by a bullet after it had just killed another soldier.
He was one of only 10 survivors of the 24th Foot wounded in the defence – four of whom won the Victoria Cross. This medal has one clasp etched with the years 1877-8-9. It is estimated at £40,000-50,000.
