SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL BAR 1878-79; Private John McCrudden, 1st Battalion, 13th Light Infantry.
Pte McCrudden was born in Belfast in 1855 and enlisted in the 13th Regiment in 1874; The 13th Light Infantry was present in southern Africa before the invasion of Zululand, and took part in the aborted attack on the BaPedi King Sekhukhune in 1878. They were then attached to Col. Wood's Left Flank Column, and were involved in the skirmishing around Zungwini and Hlobane mountains on 24 January 1879; they were also heavily involved in the battle of Khambula on 29 March, where they defended a portion of the main wagon laager and the outlying cattle laager, which was fiercely attacked by the Zulus. They remained under Wood's command during the second invasion, and formed part of Lord Chelmsford's square during the battle of Ulundi on 4 July; Zulu dead were found just thirty yards from their position. Pte. J. McCrudden is confirmed on Forsyth's medal roll. Very good condition.
