South Africa 1877-79 Zulu Medal , bar 1879 to 333 Pte E.Burns 57th Foot.

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Edward Burns was born in Manchester, and enlisted at Liverpool for the 57th Regiment (West Middlesex) on the 16th May 1859 at the age of 20 years.He discharged at Dublin after 21 years service. He was in the possession of four good conduct badges. His service overseas 13 1/2 years. Sold with his orginal Parchment Certificate of discharge.The 57th landed at Durban on March 11th, and on the 17th started for the front. The railway only served them for a short distance, and they had a long six days' march before they reached the advanced base at Fort Pearson on the Tugela.The crossing of the Tugela was completed on March 29th, and two days later the little army reached Gingindlovu, where Pearson signalled to them from Eshowe that a Zulu attack was imminent. The camp was at once formed, with the wagons in laager, with Gatling guns and some other small artillery at the angles, and with trenches in front.

"Edward Burns was born in Manchester in 1839 and originally enlisted age 20 in Liverpool on 16th May 1859. He had re-enlisted for further service and was at the end of his second period when discharged by request on 11th May 1880.

He was physically discharged at Dublin on 1st June 1880 age 41. He had completed 21years & 16 days toward his good conduct pay and pension. His service overseas amounted to 13 years and 6 Months. He was planning to live at 21 Moss Lane, Stredfore New Road ( probably Stretford New Rd ) Manchester, but on leaving the service was given One Pound ' marching money' and a travel warrant to Liverpool.

Despite a very good personal record of behaviour he clearly had a serious drink problem treatment constantly during his army career. He sold his NZ medal on his way home( to fund his drink ) and then obtained his Zulu Medal during his second period of engagement."

» EXTREMELY SCARCE 1879 BRITISH ZULU WAR SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL CORPORAL 57th FOOT
» SOUTH AFRICA 1877-79, CLASP, 1879 ‘ 50/465 PTE E. JELLY, 57TH FOOT
» South Africa Medal 1877-79, 1 Clasp: 1879, awarded to Private M. Leary, 88th Regiment of Foot - The Connaught Rangers, who was present during the Zulu War