South Africa Medal 1877-79 clasp 1878-9 named 1680 PTE T DICKERSON 1/13TH FOOT.
On 2nd Jan 1879 the regiment left Utrecht and reached the Blood River two days later. Having left two companies of men at the fortified outpost of Balte's Spruit, the regiment crossed into enemy territory and constructed a fort at Tinta's Drift on the White Umvolosi; two further companies were left to garrison and then the regiment moved on towards Zunguin Nek. It was here that the enemy was met in force on the 24th and defeated with loss.
On 27th Mar a patrol of mounted men and natives were sent out towards Zlobane, the Native Irregulars under the command of Major Leet; such was the latter's gallantry in the retreat which ensued after the encounter with the enemy that he was awarded the Victoria Cross and promoted Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel.
At the Battle of Kambula the 13th gallantly checked the enemy at the right rear of the laager. According toThe South African Campaign of 1879, 'Captains Evans and Fowne's companies were posted in Leet's redoubt, the fire from which made great havoc throughout the engagement. When the attack slackened, two companies of the 13th, under Captains Thurlow and Waddy, moving to the right front of the cattle laager, did great execution amongst the retreating Zulus, who were closely followed up and cut to pieces by the Mounted Corps.' During this engagement, two officers were severely wounded, six men of the regiment were killed and nineteen more were wounded.
Not long after, at the Battle of Ulundi, the 13th occupied the right of the square, within 30 yards of which numbers of the enemy's dead were subsequently found. As before, casualties were significant, with Lieutenant Pardoe killed, together with two ranks, and eleven more wounded.
