Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A scarce ‘Relief of Chitral 1895’ C.B. group of three awarded to Major-General H. B. ‘Jackal’ MacCall, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who commanded the 1st Battalion in the battle of the Malakand Pass The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamels, complete with swivel-ring bar suspension and ribbon buckle; Canada General Service 1866-70, 1 clasp, Fenian Raid 1866 (Ens: H. B. Macall. 4/60 Regt.); India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Chitral 1895 (Ltt. Coll: H. B. MacCall 1st Bn. K.R. Rifle Corps) the first with chipping to both wreaths, otherwise good very fine and better (3) £3,000-£4,000 --- C.B. London Gazette 21 January 1896: ‘In recognition of services during the operations of the Chitral Relief Force.’ One of 10 officers of the 4/60th to receive the Canada G.S. medal, the clasp ‘Fenian Raid 1866’ in combination with that of ‘Relief of Chitral 1895’ is unique. Henry Blackwood MacCall was born on 15 August 1845, son of Colonel George MacCall. He was appointed Ensign, by purchase, in the 60th K.R.R.C. on 16 February 1864, and served with the 4th Battalion in Canada 1865-67 (Medal with clasp). He served in India from 1868 to 1903, with the 3rd Battalion 1868-72, and as Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion 1873-81, becoming Captain in 1875 and A.D.C. to Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [General Sir Frederick Haines] in 1880-81. He was promoted to Major in the 4th Battalion in 1881, and to Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding the 1st Battalion, in July 1891, serving with the Isazai Expedition in 1892 [No medals awarded for this expedition]. MacCall commanded the 1st Battalion throughout the operations of the Chitral Relief Force in 1895, serving with the leading brigade under Brigadier-General A. A. Kinloch. The Battalion highly distinguished itself in the battle of the Malakand Pass on the 3rd of April, and again in the action at Khar on the following day, thereby adding ‘Chitral’ to the honours of the Regiment. Despatches, London Gazette 15 November 1895: ‘Lieutenant-Colonel H. B. MacCall, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who, by skilfully using his opportunities, brought his battalion to the main position of the enemy and joined the King’s Own Scottish Borderers in the final rush and capture of the main position.’ (C.B.; Medal with clasp). He was commanding the 41st Regimental District, Cardiff, 1897-98, and was appointed Deputy Adjutant General in India in February 1899, commanding 2nd Class District, India, 1901-02. He retired in August 1902 and was promoted to Hon. Major-General in September 1917. Major-General MacCall, who was affectionately known as ‘Jackal’ in the regiment, died on 22 July 1921.