April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
The Afghanistan Medal was awarded to members of the British and Indian armies who served during the Second Afghan War, 1878-1880. This Afghanistan Medal is engraved in sloping serif capitals to "1303 PTE. H. LOVEDAY. 66TH FOOT." The medal displays the Kandahar clasp, which is confirmed in the rolls. Henry Loveday appears in the records and is confirmed as a member of the regiment, engaged in the Field Reserve 1st Brigade. The 66th (Berkshire) Regiment of Foot was sent to Afghanistan in early 1880 and fought in the Battle of Maiwand that July. During the battle, British forces were routed and most of the 66th was caught up in the rout. Roughly 140 men of the regiment made a stand at the Mundabad Ravine, but were forced back with heavy losses. Eventually 56 survivors made it to the shelter of a walled garden and attempted a stand. The 56 were depleted to only 11 men, 2 officers and 9 enlisted. A famous quote from an Afghan artillery officer described the engagement "These men charged from the shelter of a garden and died with their faces to the enemy, fighting to the death. So fierce was their charge, and so brave their actions, no Afghan dared to approach to cut them down. So, standing in the open, back to back, firing steadily, every shot counting, surrounded by thousands, these British soldiers died. It was not until the last man was shot down that the Afghans dared to advance on them. The behaviour of those last eleven was the wonder of all who saw it". CONDITION: The medal exhibits a gray patina with scattered marks, especially on the obverse. A nice medal from a desirable regiment.