Archibald Forbes (1838-1900), war correspondent for the Morning Advisor and Daily News could very well have been one of the most highly decorated civilians of all time.

 

So far I have only been able to identify the four medals of the top row: Order of St. Stanislas (Russia), the Iron Cross 2nd Class for Non-Combatants (Prussia), the civil class of the Pour Le Mérite (Prussia), and the Legion of Honor (France).

 

The one medal he is not wearing is the British 1877-79 South Africa Medal. While covering the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 Forbes made a famous nighttime ride through enemy-held territory after the Battle of Ulundi to get his story posted back to England. His application for the campaign medal was turned down by Lord Chelmsford because the messages he carried for several British officers were personal, not official despatches and therefore the ride did not qualify Forbes for the medal.


Cabinet Photograph
Elliott & Fry - Photographer
55 Baker Street, London, W, England
c. 1880s

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Below: A note to an unnamed recipient from Archibald Frobes.

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Autographed Note

4 1/2 inches by 7 inches

(11.5cm x 17.5cm)

Laid Down on Larger Sheet

12 Fulham Park Road, S. W., London England

N.D.