South Africa Medal 1877-1879. With clasp '1877-8-9' (967. Pte E. Toole. 88th Foot)

Medal & clasp verification: Medal & clasp entitlement confirmed per respective campaign medal roll of 88th Foot (post 1881 1st Battalion Connaught Rangers) ref WO 100/47, that was compiled and signed at Mooltan, India, on, 22 January 1881

The medal roll confirms that 967 Private Edward Toole, 88th Foot, qualified for his medal for fighting in two separate campaigns while in South Africa, viz:

1. Engaged against, Gaikas, Galekas & other Kaffir tribes 1877-78
2. Engaged against the Zulus, 1879

The service papers of Edward Toole, were long since 'weeded', and are no longer extant. However, we know for certain that he enlisted for the British Army and was posted to the 88th Foot in 1876 (No 976 Private Joseph Ryan of the same regiment, who joined the Connaughts just 9 x enlistments after Edward Toole, had attested at the Brigade Depot of the 88th Foot on 30 October 1876, and was posted to the 88th on 31 October 1876

It is also known that Edward Toole was serving with the 88th in India in 1881 (the roll is annotated 'with Regt')

Interestingly, a man called Edward Toole (1860-1885), 25 years of age, and described as a Pauper (Museum Keeper) is recorded as having died at Bombay, India, on, 13 March 1885, from a liver complaint, and was buried at Sewree Cemetery, Bombay. The museum referred to where Toole was employed was almost certainly The Victoria and Albert Museum, Bombay that was opened to the public in 1872, and which since, 1975, has been known as the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

A most desirable 'Zulu Medal' medal to one of the 'Devils Own', the Connaught Rangers

Condition: Toned GVF

Code: 21893