18 January 2010

Khedive's Star


Instituted:1882.

Qualification:Originally awarded to all those who took part in the 1882 Egypt campaign, qualification was later extended to include later Egyptian campaigns up until 1889.

Description:There were four issues of this star. The undated version, (shown above with Tokar clasp), was awarded to troops who did not qualify for the Queen’s medal. There were also three dated versions. Below is the Star bearing the date 1882.


Below this, the 1884 version:


and finally the version bearing the date 1884-6:


The medal, a five-pointed star, was made of bronze: 60mm high and 45mm wide. The obverse depicts a raised circle with the image of the Sphinx in the foreground and three pyramids behind. The word ‘EGYPT’ is written above  followed by a year (or no date).  The reverse carries a monogram of the Khedive under a crown within a raised circle.

Straight suspender with a crescent and five pointed star in the centre. The suspender attaches to the star by means of a small metal loop.

Ribbon:Dark blue.

Naming:
Generally issued unnamed although some stars have the name of the regiment stamped in full or abbreviated form on the reverse.

Clasps:
One clasp: TOKAR 1308 was awarded to those who had fought at the battle of Tokar in 1891 (1308 being the Arabic date) but had already received a previous star.

Other:
All recipients of the Egypt Medal (1882-1889) qualified for the Khedive's Star.

Acknowledgements:
The images are all courtesy of Spink and Son.  British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

3 January 2010

Sutlej Campaign Medal


Instituted:
17th April 1846.

Qualification:
Awarded to Those who took part in the actions of the Sutlej Campaign in India between December 1845 and February 1846.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter, with an ornamental swivelling suspender. The obverse portrays the diademed of Queen Victoria with the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts the standing figure of Victory facing left. She holds a laurel wreath in her outstretched right hand, and an olive branch in her right. A collection of trophies is gathered at her feet.

There were four different exergues which contain one of the following:

1. MOODKEE 1845
2. FEROZESHUHUR 1845
3. ALIWAL 1846
4. SOBRAON 1846

Recipents were awarded that version of the medal whose exergue contained the name of the first action they had taken part in.

Ribbon:
32mm wide; dark blue with crimson edges.

Naming:
Indented in capital letters or light roman lettering.

Clasps:
There was no clasp issued for the Moodkee action of 18th December 1845. However, clasps were issued for each of the other actions mentioned in the different medal exergues as follows:

1. Ferozeshehur
Awarded for the action of 21st and 22nd December 1845.

2. Aliwal
Awarded for the action 28th January 1846.

3. Sobraon
Awarded for the action of Sobraon on 10th February 1846.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from the Spink & Son July 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.