A most desirable Victorian campaign medal pair to a 'Drummer' who was present at the Battle of Elandslaagte: Drummer Henry Hallett, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders late 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders

- India General Service 1895. 'ROC 1895' 'PF' 'Tir 97-98' (4536 Pte H.J. Hallett 1st Bn. Gord: Highrs.)
- QSA Medal. 2 x clasps 'Elandslaagte' 'Defence of Ladysmith' (4536 Drmr: H. Hallett, Gordon Highrs:)

The lower 'Relief of Chitra 1895' clasp with very neatly adapted side carriage for attachment of upper clasps. The clasps attached by rivets

During his service with 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders on the North West Frontier of British India, Henry would most likely have been present, in the 'Storming of the Dargai Heights' on, 20 October 1897, whereat, Piper George Findlater and Private Edward Lawson of the battalion each won the Victoria Cross for their conspicuous gallantry during the battle. What is more certain is that he was definitely present at the Battle of Elandslaagte, just over 2 x years later, where this time the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders were once more to the fore, and where the Drummers (Buglers) & Pipers - including Drummer Hallett - per the example of Drum-Major Lawrence of the Gordons, rallied the British force to Colonel Ian Hamilton's command of 'Fix Bayonets! Charge", and where 2 x Victoria Crosses were awarded to the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders

Medals & Clasps Verification: Drummer Hallett is confirmed being entitled to both the IGS and QSA medals and all 5 x clasps per below referenced medal rolls

- IGS Medal & 3 x clasps: WO 100/78 for ROC clasp & WO 100/89 for PF/Tir clasps)
- QSA Medal & 2 x clasps: WO 100/203. Roll compiled Pietersburg, 15 July 1901, shows recipient 'To England'

Henry James Hallett, was a native of , Belfast, County Down, Ireland, where he was born in 1871. By trade a 'Sailor' Henry attested for service with the British Army at Southwark, London, England, on, 30 August 1892, at which time he indicated his preference to join the Gordon Highlanders, as his regiment of choice. Henry Hallett subsequently arrived at the Regimental Depot of the Gordon Highlanders located at Castlehill Barracks, Aberdeen, on 9 September 1892. After completion of training, he was posted to 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and 'Home Service'. On 5 March 1894, Henry was transferred to the 1st Battalion Gordon then serving overseas in India, where it had been posted since 1889. Henry's recorded services with the Gordon Highlanders is shown below;

- Home: 30/08/1892 - 02/02/1894 (1 year & 157 days)
- India: 03/02/1894 - 22/09/1899 (5 years & 232 days)
- South Africa: 23/09/1899 - 05/08/1900 (317 days)
- Home: 06/08/1900 - 11/09/1900 (37 days)

By the time Henry James Hallett took his final discharge from British Army, at, Netley Military Hospital, Hampshire, England, on 11 September 1900, he had served a total of 8 years & 13 days with 'The Colours', during which time his character and conduct was described as 'Very Good'. At discharge he indicated that his future intended place of residence was to be, 29 Nutcroft Road, Peckham, Southwark, London, England

The recipients service papers (enlisted under alias Henry Clarke) are extant and accessible at The National Archives

A most desirable campaign medal pair, and in choice attractively toned condition

Condition: About EF

Code: 25284