South Africa Medal 1877-79, clasp, 1879 to Kirk, 91st Foot (Argyllshire Highlanders)
802. Pte. R. Kirk, 91st Foot.
a few small edge bruises, otherwise nearly extremely fine.
During the Zulu War of 1879, the 91st (Argyllshire Highlanders) Foot, later known as the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, were dispatched to South Africa in February 1879.
Upon their arrival they fought shortly afterwards at the Battle of Gingindlovu on 2nd April 1879 under Lord Chelmsford’s Relief Column.
Following their success at the battle they would relieve the Siege of Eshowe, where on 3rd April the victorious Relief Column entered Eshowe, “Led by the pipers of the 91st Highlanders” ending a 2 month long siege.
When the column left Eshowe 3 days later, as it was determined by Lord Chelmsford that it did not need to be held, the soldiers of the column could see on their departure that the Zulus had returned and set the town on fire.
