South Africa 1834-53 (Wm. Geary. 12th Regt.), traces of lacquer, very fine

South Africa 1834-53 (Wm. Geary. 12th Regt.), traces of lacquer, very fine

William Geary was born at Ballbricken, Bruff, County Limerick in 1819 and attested for the 87th Regiment on 4 April 1839. Serving initially in Ireland and just 74 days after his enlistment, he deserted the service and remained on the run until 14 April 1840. Court martialled and imprisoned, he is released two weeks later and returns to England with his Regiment. It seems he avoided being marked with a 'D' from his Medical Records.

Transferred to the 12th Regiment on 1 September 1842, they proceed for Mauritius for an extended period of duty. Sent onto the Cape of Good Hope in 1851 for the campaign, Geary was given a 'drumhead' court martial on 6 September 1851 that resulted in his punishment of 25 lashes, thankfully 23 of these were remitted and he was recovered sufficiently to rejoin the unit on 8 September. He did lose a good conduct badge but was present for the remainder of the campign. They engaged the stronghold at Waterkloof and in the actions that followed. Having been praised by Sir Harry Smith in January 1852, they remained employed on patrols and skirmishes on the frontier. During those months it is estimated over 1,000 miles was marched and accounted for 124 enemy, capturing 1476 head of livestock in the Lower Albany despite the trying climate. During August and September the unit were harrased by the Gaika Kaffirs and a number of punitive actions were taken in reply. Having engaged the men of Hans Brander on 8 January 1853 for two hours of stiff fighting, peace was proclaimed on 8 March.

Geary was discharged as a result of opthalmia contracted whilst in Mauritius on 21 August 1855 and he remained in the Chatham area drawing an Army Pension until 1858; sold together with a comprehensive file of copied research and muster extracts.

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