The South Africa Medal awarded to Sergeant W. Brereton, 88th Regiment of Foot, who commenced hi...

(x) The South Africa Medal awarded to Sergeant W. Brereton, 88th Regiment of Foot, who commenced his military career as a Drummer during the Indian Mutiny

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8 (2999 Sergt W. Brereton. 88th Foot.), suspension loose, heavily polished overall, edge wear to number and unit though legible, overall nearly very fine

William Brereton was born at Warber, Chester, Cheshire in 1839 and attested as a Boy with the 80th Regiment at Westminster on 19 July 1853 at the age of 14. Transferring to the 88th Regiment on 1 January 1854 as a Drummer, he served for twelve years in India and is entitled to the Indian Mutiny Medal with clasp Central India, with his name misspelled as 'Brearton' but service number, rank and regiment the same.

Appointed Private on 1 April 1868 he continued to serve with the regiment, being promoted Corporal and finally Sergeant on 16 June 1877. It was with this rank that he was posted to South Africa and saw service in the Anglo-Zulu War. Finally ordered to Mauritius, he served there for 10 months and was discharged on 7 October 1879. Brereton joined the 1st Royal Cheshire Militia upon his discharge and served there for another year and a half, leaving on 23 February 1881.

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