South Africa Medal 1834-1853 Third Kaffir War. J. Metcalf, 12th Lancers Fine/VF

A fellmonger from Felton Nottinghamshire who enlisted 12.10.1831 age 21 years. Served 24 years 85 days, discharged 4.3.1856. 12th Lancers in the third Kaffir war of 1851-53 met only slight opposition to start with but those who accompanied Napier were suddenly charged by a host of Basuto horsemen who had been concealed in dead ground. During the desperate charge many had broken lances and only retained the blade half in their hands. 27 N.C.O.s and men were killed of the 12th Lancers. Ref: Gordon Everson