Private J James is mentioned in the book “The Noble 24th” on page 146. It states that he transferred from H to G Company at Rorke’s Drift on 31/1/1879. He was sentenced to 14 days confinement for irregular conduct on sentry duty at Rorkes Drift 14/2/1879. It also confirms he is entitled to the clasp 1877-8-9. Private James would have been a part of the Regiment that left Isandlwana before the massacre of the British troops by the Zulu warriors and then relieved the men of the mission station at Rorkes Drift after the gallant defence.

£1,285.00 Way to high Could be wrong. 90th 1879Graves what do you think..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/British-Victorian-Zulu-Wars-Campaign-Medal-2-24th-Foot-/200564030402?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item2eb28c3bc2

I have a 2- 24th medal (for the life of me I can't remeber the name, Holland i think) Out with Chelsford 22.1.79, promoted to corp RD 23.1.79 . Price is roughly what I paid. Don't forget 2-24th who whilst active in the events of 22.1.79, but not in the battle, had quite a tough day.


What are overpriced are 1st Battn, from the drafts who were bought in to make up those companies lost at Isandlwana, in reality they should be on a parr (or less) than those actively engaged in combat operations in the subsequent battles. i.e £450-600, as all they did was guard piles of stores and were even spared Ulundi, the fact they consistently fetch £7-800 is a complete travesty.

Hi 24th .
I agree with Neil , some very strange prices are realised for the 1/ 24th .
cheers 90th.

don't forget though, unlike men of the 2/24th, and whilst not marching here there and everywhere with chelmsford missing both the actions at isandhlwana and RD, the few companies of the men of 1/24th back at helpmekaar on that day would have been close mates with those killed at isandhlwana.
all would have known well and been good mates with many of those killed at isandhlwana. this makes a strong "connection" to those at isandhlwana, in my opinion anyway.

tasker224. Very good point. However. When it comes to the pricing their medals today. Those with Lord Chelmsford, were infact in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Agree with you Mr.G. its seems to be a case of the Battles in question that puts the price on the medals. We recently saw Crealock medals up fro sale twice in the latter part of last year, apart from being an important character of the Zulu War, he too missed both actions on account of being with Chelmsford. If I recall his medals were in for around £8000. Didn’t sell on both occasions

.......and please don't use the word "scarcer" or similar in your reply!

Pricing of medals depends on one thing - what collectors are willing to pay for them.

Digressing slightly, I am always fascinated by the fascination AND price of medals to men KIA. These do not appeal to me, as I feel little connection to the man who earned it. The man never touched it, never wore it, in fact was never aware of its existance. So what is the appeal, that makes KIA medals worth so much more?

One of the few exceptions to this, are RD medals, where a medal to a man who fought hard, survived and lived to tell the tale - and wear his medal - exceeds the value of a man who was killed there. For example, DNW, in a sale or two back had 2 RD medals. The one to a soldier thought to have been killed in the hospital went for 15K, the other to a man who fought and killed several Zulus, inc a "chief" went for 35K.

Tasker224

PS - quite pleased with that post - might post it up on a separate thread - feel free to join in!

It depends on which Battle the K.I.A recipient was in. Isandlwana for instance was the biggest British Military Blunder in History.

Thanks for that; but 2 soldiers, in same action - one kia, the other survives.
why is the kia medal usually of greater monetary value? my point a few posts above with the example of the 2 recent RD medals in the DNW sale, shows this is not always the case.