This is a desirable example of a South Africa Medal (1877-1979) which was awarded to an Isandhlwana casualty, Corp. Matthew Miller of the 1st Battalion 24th Regiment of Foot. Research provided by the consignor confirms that Corporal Miller was killed in action and received the South Africa Medal with the 1879 clasp. The silver medal is marked "1616 CPL M. MILLER, 1/24TH FOOT" along the edge. The medal has the 1879 clasp and the correct gold ribbon with broad and narrow deep blue stripes towards each end. The Battle of Isandlwana occurred on January 1879 and was the first major battle between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom of the Anglo-Zulu War. The battle was a major victory for the Zulus and resulted in the defeat of the first British invasion of Zululand. Although equipped with state of the art weaponry of the day such as the Martini Henry breech-loading rifle, the badly led British were overwhelmed by the Zulus who were equipped mainly with the traditional assegai iron spears and cow-hide shields. The British lost 1,300 troops and the Zulus lost around 1,000. It was a crushing defeat for the British at the hands of an inferior force that would result in the British Empire taking a much more aggressive approach in the Anglo-Zulu War.

Fine with a few minor handling marks and the silver having a dark aged patina in the protected areas.