The South Africa 1877-79 medal awarded to Lieutenant H. A. Reed, C/3rd Cape Mounted...

The South Africa 1877-79 medal awarded to Lieutenant H. A. Reed, C/3rd Cape Mounted Yeomanry, who was killed in action in the first attack on Morosi’s Stronghold, 8 April 1879; in an action two days earlier he had personally killed Morosi’s son South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (Lieut: H. A. Reed. C/3rd Cape Yeory.) edge bruise, otherwise toned, nearly extremely fine £5,000-£7,000 --- ‘Lieutenant Herbert Arthur Reed, who belonged to the Graaff Reinet Troop, 3rd Regiment South African Yeomanry, was the fourth son of Mr. Eardley Reed, of Smethwick, Staffordshire, and was killed on the 8th April, 1879, whilst gallantly leading his troop at the attack on the rebel chief Morosi’s Mountain, British Basutoland, South Africa. He had for three years served his Queen and country in the Regular Army, having belonged to the C Battery, A Brigade, R.H.A., in which corps he served in India. After purchasing his discharge he went to reside in South Africa, and during the late Kaffir War against Kreli and Sandili he swerved with distinction in a Volunteer Corps raised in the district of Graaff Reinet, while in an engagement two days prior to the attack on Morosi’s stronghold, with the enemy under Morosi’s son, his troop did good service; Morosi’s son being killed by Lieutenant Reed’s own hand. In the attack on Morosi’s mountain twenty-eight yeomen and police were killed and wounded, and the Colonial forces were compelled to retreat, leaving the mountain in the hands of the rebels.’ Lieutenant Reed was the only officer casualty amongst the three regiments of Cape Mounted Yeomanry in any of the attacks on Morosi’s stronghold.