Potted history of movement of 2/21 Ryl Scots Fusiliers. Spark(e)es Service No. was 291. You would need to check the Medal Rolls of the actions to see if your man participated: I sold all my medals, rolls, and campaign books about 10 years ago so am unable to look up your man in the campaigns mentioned below.
The 2nd Battalion was stationed at the Curragh when it received the order to go on active service as reinforcements to South Africa following the debacle of Isaldhwana, and the stalling of the British attempt to invade Zululand. From Cork it embarked on 20/22 Feb 1879, arriving at Capetown on 31 Mar, joining Newdigate's Division. On 1 Jun 1879, the 2nd Battalion entered Zululand and was present at the Battle of Ulundi and later in the Sekukuni War in the Transvaal.
The 2nd Battalion was involved in the defence of Potchefstroom and Pretoria during the First Boer War of 1881 (No campaign medals were awarded for the 1st Boer War as it was a defeat). The battalion marched from Pretoria in Oct 1881 and embarked from Durban for Bombay in Jan 1882, relieving the 1st Battalion at Madras. The 2nd Battalion was stationed in the Madras Presidency until the end of 1884, where it was first stationed at Secunderabad, then at a variety of Indian stations. It then proceeded to Burma, being employed in the military operations there during 1885-86. The 2nd Battalion returned to India where it remained until 1896, when it returned home after a total of 17 years 10 months service in the Far East.
The 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers were despatched to South Africa during Nov 1899 and fought with Buller's relieving army at Colenso, Spion Kop, Vaalkranz and the eventual breakthrough battles, relieving Ladysmith on 28 Feb 1900. Private Ravenhill was awarded the Battalion's first VC at the battle of Colenso. The 2nd Battalion returned home. On 1 Oct 1907, the 2nd Battalion moved from Tidmouth (?) to Dublin.
