'Skirl of the Pipes at Kandahar': A Second Afghan War medal pair to a Piper who also served in the first 'Boer War' of 1881: Piper Robert McKenzie, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, late 92nd Highlanders and Highland Rifle Militia

- Afghanistan Medal 1878-80. 'Charasia' 'Kabul' 'Kandahar' (151* ***er, R. McKenzie, 92n* ***hrs)
- Kabul to Kandahar Star (1514 Piper R. McKenzie 92nd Highlanders)

The Afghan Medal only with usual 'Pipers' contact wear from the Star, with a few letters of naming worn as indicated by asterisk * above

Important: Both campaign medals and all clasps confirmed as entitled per the respective campaign medal roll (ref WO 100/53). Only 5 x men listed on 92nd Highlanders medal roll as holding appointment 'Piper' during the Second Afghan War, of which 4 x earned 'three clasp' medals as well as the Kabul to Kandahar Star. Both medals enumerated in the recipients service papers as his full and complete medal entitlement - in addition there was an Afghan pair including the medal with 3 x clasps named to the rank of Pipe-Major to William McLean

Robert McKenzie was a native of Nigg, Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland, where he had been born circa 1848. He indicated that he was a resident of Inverness, when he enlisted there on 29 November 1866, for service in the British Army with the 92nd Highlanders. At his time of enlistment he described himself as having been 18 yeara of age, and by 'Trade' a 'Farm Servant'. Robert was however no stranger to military service, as time of his enlistment he cited prior service with the Ross-shire Militia (Highland Rifle Militia). Robert was appointed 'Piper' on 26 October 1876, and continued to hold the appointment through to 29 January 1893, being promoted Lance-Corporal on 30 January 1893, which appointment he held through to his discharge on 29 November 1887. By the time of his final discharge, Robert McKenzie had racked-up an impressive 21 years and 1 day service that included overseas service as under;

- India: 26 January 1868 - 30 March 1879: 11 years 64 days
- Afghanistan: 31 March 1879 - 18 October 1880: 1 year 202 days
- India: 19 October 1880 - 29 January 1881: 103 days
- South Africa: 30 January 1881 - 21 January 1882: 1 year

As a Piper he served in the Afghanistan War 1878-1880, including the principal actions of Charasia, Kabul, the forced 310 mile march from Kabul to Kandahar, and the final battles at that latter place in September 1880. During the first 'Boer War' in South Africa, 1881, the 92nd Highlanders fought at Majuba Hill

Interestingly Robert's brother John (No 2027), had also joined the 92nd Highlanders, a year after him in 1869, and together they had served alongside each other throughout their overseas services in India, Afghanistan (John was shot in the abdomen at Kandahar on 1 September 1880) and South Africa. However their family duet was split in 1881, when the 75th Stirlingshire Regiment and the 92nd Highlanders were amalgamated to become the 1st and 2nd Battalions respectively of the 'Gordon Highlanders', with Robert continuing in the 2/Gordons, but with John transferring to 1/Gordons (and later campaign service in Egypt in 1882)

At the time of taking his final discharge in 1887, Robert's military conduct and character was described as having been 'Very Good'. He left the Army having earned 2 x campaign medals and a second class education certificate. In addition he had found time to wed while on home service, and had married Catherine Ross at Durham, England, on 11 January 1884. His intended place of residence after leaving the Army was cited as being, 33 Warkworth Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

The medals mounted on a Victorian period brooch buckle riband bar. The mounting bar retaining it's original hinged pin and clasp fittings

Not only did Pipers lead from the front, playing the Jocks into their inevitable charge, they were also suitably armed for any close combat, with both revolvers and boradsword's issued. See in the foreground of the attached illustration a Piper of the 92n (Gordon) Highlanders at the Battle of Kandahar, depicted playing his Pipes, and who carries a broadsword slung over his shoulder........

A most desirable and rare campaign medal pair to a Piper of the Second Afghan War, and who later served in the Transvaal War or 1st Boer War of 1881

Condition: Usual pitting (for a Piper) & contact wear on the Afghanistan medal this GF, the Star VF

Code: 24959