India General Service Medal 1908-1935

Instituted:
Approved by King Edward VII on 1st January 1909.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who took part in various Indian campaigns between 1908 and 1935. The medal was never issued without a clasp and a total of twelve clasps were authorised.

Description:
36mm diameter, issued in silver and bronze (but see individual clasps below). There were three versions of the obverse for this medal. The first issue (above) depicts the bust of King Edward VII in uniform and the legend, EDWARDVS VII KAISAR-I-HIND. The second issue, which was started with those medals issued with the Abor 1911-1912 clasp, depicts the crowned and robed bust of King George V and the legend GEORGIVS V KAISAR-I-HIND. The 3rd issue, which was started with those medals issued with the North West Frontier 1930-31 clasp, shows the crowned and robed bust of King George V and the legend GEORGIVS.V.D.G.BRITT.OMN.REX.ET.INDIAE.IMP.

The reverse of all three versions depicts the fort at Jamrud on the Khyber Pass with, below that, the word INDIA over an olive and oak branch tied together by a ribbon.

The medal was designed by Richard Garbe RA (1876-1957).

Suspension:
The same floreated swivelling suspender as those used on previous India General Service Medals.

Ribbon:
32mm wide; green with a dark blue band running down the centre.

Naming:
Varied according to the clasp issued. See details below against each of the clasps.

Clasps:
Twelve clasps were issued for this medal, as follows:

1. North West Frontier 1908
Awarded for the campaign on the North West Frontier between 14th February and 31st May 1908. Naming in running script. Medals with this bar were issued in silver and bronze.


2. Abor 1911-12
Awarded for services against the Abors between 6th October 1911 and 20th April 1912. Naming in running script. Medals with this bar were issued in silver and bronze. This was the first bar to be awarded with the second issue obverse (above).

3. Afghanistan NWF 1919
Awarded for service in the Third Afghan War between 6th May and 8th August 1919. Naming impressed in block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.

4. Mahsud 1919-20
Awarded for services in the Mahsud territory between 27th November 1919 and 7th May 1920. Naming impressed in thin block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.



5. Waziristan 1919-21
Awarded for operations against the Tochi, Wana Wazirs and Mahsuds betyween 6th May 1919 and January 1921. Naming impressed in block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.

6. Malabar 1921-22
Awarded to all those who took part in the suppression of the Moplah Rebellion in Malabar between 20th August 1921 and 25th February 1922. Naming impressed in block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.

7. Waziristan 1921-24
Awarded to all those who took part in the Waziristan operations between 21st December 1921 and 31st March 1924. Naming impressed in thin block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.

8. Waziristan 1925
Awarded to all those who took part in the Waziristan operations between 9th March and 1st May 1925. Naming impressed in thin block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.

9. North West Frontier 1930-31
Awarded to all those who served in Kohat, Waziristan and the Peshawur District between 21st December 1921 and 31st March 1924. Naming impressed in block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only. This was the first bar to be awarded with the third issue obverse (below).



10. Burma 1930-32
Awarded to all those who were dispatched from India and served in Burma between 22nd December 1930 and 25th March 1932. Naming impressed in small block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.

11. Mohmand 1933
Awarded to all those who took part in operations against the Upper Mohmands between 28th July and 3rd October 1933. Naming impressed in thin block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.

12. North West Frontier 1935
Awarded to all those who on the North West Frontier between 12th January and 3rd November 1935. Naming impressed in thin block capitals. Medals with this bar were issued in silver only.

Other:
After the 11th August 1920, permission was given for those who had been Mentioned in Despatches to wear the bronze oak leaf on their medal ribbon. Before this date, the MID emblem had been worn on the Inter-Allied Victory Medal.

Acknowledgements:
The photographs are courtesy of Dix Noonan Webb and Spink. Links on the medal images will take you to these companies' websites. British Battles and Medals has, as always, been an invaluable resource in compiling the information.

Also see these other India medal posts:

India General Service Medal 1854-1895
Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-1858
India Medal 1895-1902

India General Service Medal 1854-1895

Instituted:
The institution of the medal with the clasp 'Pegu' was announced by a General Order of the Governor-General on the 22nd December 1853. The Governor-General's recommendation for additional clasps to be added, rather than the multiplication of medals, was approved on 1st March 1854.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who took part in various Indian campaigns between 1852 and 1895. The medal was never issued without a clasp and twenty-four of these were issued in total.

Description:
36mm diameter, issued in silver and bronze. The obverse depicts the diademed head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse shows winged Victory crowning a seated warrior. The obverse was designed by William Wyon RA, the reverse by his son, Leonard Charles Wyon.

Suspension:
A floreated swivelling suspension.

Ribbon:
32mm wide; crimson with two dark blue stripes.

Naming:
Varied according to the clasp issued. See details below against each of the clasps.

Clasps:
Twenty-four clasps were issued for this medal, as follows:

1. Pegu (below)
Awarded for the campaign in Burma between 18th March 1852 and 30th June 1853. Naming impressed in block capitals. Letters on Naval medals are smaller than those on army medals.


2. Persia
Awarded for actions in Herat (Afghanistan) and Persia between 5th December 1856 and 8th February 1857. The clasp was authorised on the 12th April 1858. Naming impressed in block capitals. Letters on Naval medals are smaller than those on army medals.

3. North West Frontier
Authorised on 1st July 1869 for 15 separate expeditions which took place between 3rd December 1849 and 22nd October 1868. Medals engraved in running script and in block capitals to some British officers.

4. Umbeyla
Authorised on 1st July 1869 and awarded to those who took part in the action against Muslim fanatics between 20th October and 23rd December 1863. Medals are named in block capitals.

5. Bhootan
Authorised on 22nd March 1870 and awarded to those who took part in the Bhootan Campaign between December 1864 and February 1866. Medals are named in square capitals to Europeans and in script to natives.

6. Looshai
Authorised on 1st December 1872 for the action in Looshai which took place between 9th December 1871 and 20th February 1872. Medals are named in a thin running script.

7. Perak
Authorised on 1st September 1879 for actions between the 2nd November 1875 and 20th March 1876. Medals are named in sloping capitals. This clasp was originally authorised as Perak 1875-76 although it was ultimately issued with the dates omitted.

8. Jowaki 1877-8
Authorised on 1st March 1879 for actions against the Jowaki Afrideis between 9th November 1877 and 19th January 1878. Medals are named in impressed block capitals.

9. Naga 1879-80
Authorised on 24th June 1881. This clasp was first awarded to those who took part in action against the Nagas between December 1879 and January 1880. It was later extended to cover an earlier campaign against the tribe in January 1875. Medals are named in thin running script.


10. Burma 1885-7
Authorised on 1st August 1887 for those who took part in the Burma expedition between 14th November 1885 and 30th April 1887. For the first time, bronze medals (see above) were also awarded to Government followers who accompanied the troops. Medals are named in light script, except those awarded to Naval personnel which were impressed.

11. Sikkim 1888
Authorised on 1st June 1889 and awarded to those who took part in the Sikkim Campaign between 15th March and 27th September 1888. Silver and bronze medals were issued and were named in a thin running script.

12. Hazara 1888
This clasp was also authorised on 1st June 1889 and was awarded to the Hazara Field Force for their involvement between 3rd October and 9th November 1888. Silver and bronze medals were issued and were named in a thin running script.

13. Burma 1887-89
This clasp was authorised on 1st December 1889 and was awarded to those who took part in the Burma Campaign between 1st May 1887 and 31st March 1889. Silver and bronze medals were issued and were named in a thin running script.

14. Burma 1887-9
This rare clasp, issued by the Royal Mint, has the same criteria as the Burma 1887-89 clasp.

15. Chin Lushai 1889-90
Authorised on 1st February 1891 and awarded for the actions against the Chin and Lushai tribes between 13th November 1889 and 30th April 1890. Issued in silver and bronze and named in a bold running script.

16. Samana 1891
Authorised on 1st December 1891 and was awarded to those who took part in the Samana Campaign between 5th April and 25th May 1891. Silver and bronze medals were issued and were named in a thin running script.


17. Hazara 1891 (above)
Authorised on 1st December 1892 and awarded to those who took part in actions against the Hussanzais and Akazais between 12th March and 16th May 1891. Silver and bronze medals were issued and were named in running script.

18. Hunza 1891
This clasp was authorised on 1st September 1892 and was awarded to those who took part in the expedition to Gilgit, Hunza and Nagar between 1st and 22nd December 1891. Silver and bronze medals were issued and were named in running script.

19. N E Frontier 1891
This clasp was authorised on 1st June 1892 and was awarded to those who took part in the Manipur Expedition between 28th March and 7th May 1891. Silver and bronze medals were issued and were named in running script.

20. Burma 1889-92
This clasp was authorised on 1st September 1893 and was awarded to those who took part in the eleven operations against bandits in that country between 16th April 1889 and 18th April 1892. Silver and bronze medals were issued and named in a thin running script.

21. Lushai 1889-92
This clasp was authorised on 1st September 1893 and was awarded for five small expeditions into the Lushai Hills between 11th January 1889 and 8th June 1892. Silver and bronze medals were issued. There two naming styles for medals with this clasp. Medals to British troops except the KRRC were named in large bold block letters. Medals to the KRRC and native troops are named in engraved script.

22. Chin Hills 1892-93
This clasp was authorised on 9th January 1903 for expeditions against the Chin tribes between 19th October 1892 and 10th March 1893. Silver and bronze medals were issued and named in a small running script. Medals to the Norfolk Regiment are often seen as having been issued officially renamed.



23. Kachin Hills 1892-93 (above)
Authorised on the 9th January 1903 for expeditions into the Kachin Hills between 3rd December 1892 and 3rd March 1893. Silver and bronze medals were issued and named in bold running script.

24. Waziristan 1894-5
Authorised on 1st September 1895 for operations in Waziristan between 22nd October 1894 and 13th March 1895. Silver and bronze medals were issued and named in running script.

Other:
The maximum number of known bars on a single medal is seven, although the Official History of the Bengal Army makes reference to nine or ten bars being possessed by some officers and soldiers of native soldiers. Clasps may be found on medals in an incorrect order and fitted in a variety of fashions.

Acknowledgements:
The photographs are courtesy of Dix Noonan Webb and Spink. Links on the individual images take you to these companies' websites. British Battles and Medals has, as always, been an invaluable resource in compiling the information.

Major John Simpson Knox VC

Deep pockets will be the order of the day next April. On the 22nd of the month, Spink Auction House will be offering for sale the first ever VC awarded to a soldier of the British Army.

Major John Simpson Knox was a sergeant with the Scots Fusilier Guards during the Crimean War and was present with his regiment in all of the Crimean engagements. His Crimea Medal, sold as part of the group, bears the clasps Alma, Balaclava, Inkermann and Sebastopol. The other two medals in the group are (from left to right, above), the French Legion of Honour and the Turkish Crimean Medal.


It was principally for his gallantry and leadership at the Alma on 20th September 1854 that Sergeant John Knox (pictured above, wearing his medals) was recommended for the Victoria Cross. The entry in The London Gazette of 24th February 1857 reads:

River Alma, Crimea, 20 September 1854, Sergeant John Knox, Scots ( Fusilier ) Guards.

When serving as a Serjeant in the Scots Fusilier Guards. Lieutenant Knox was conspicuous for his exertions in reforming the ranks of the Guards at the Battle of the Alma. Subsequently, when in the Rifle Brigade, he volunteered for the ladder party in the attack on the Redan, on the 18th of June, and ( in the words of Captain Blackett, under whose command he was ) behaved admirably, remaining on the field until twice wounded.


The medals are to be sold with the cannonball (above) which took off Knox's left arm at Sebastopol. He was invested with his Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria at Hyde Park on the 26th June 1857.


John Knox's entry for the Crimea Medal with Alma and Inkerman clasps, above. The group is expected to sell for upwards of £120,000.

Acknowledgements:

The Daily Telegraph for the medal group; Spink for the cannonball, The National Archives for the medal roll entry,

Further Information:

John Simpson Knox VC
Lord Ashcroft's VC collection
Victoria Crosses at Dix Noonan Webb
Spink

India Medal

Instituted:
An Army Order of 1st April 1896 authorised the India Medal and two clasps for the Defence of Chitral 1895 and the Relief of Chitral 1895.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who took part in North-West Frontier operations between 1895 and 1902.

Description:
There were two issues of this medal, one depicting the head of Queen Victoria, and the other depicting the bust of King Edward VII. Both medals were silver, 36mm diameter, although the Edward version has a thinner gauge.

1. Queen Victoria (first issue)
The obverse depicts the crowned and veiled head of Queen Victoria and the legend, VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse portrays a British soldier on the left and a Punjabi warrior on the right, both men supporting the same standard. The word INDIA appears on the left, and the date 1895 on the right. Thomas Brock (1847-1922) designed the obverse and George William de Saulles (1862-1903), the reverse.

2. King Edward VII (second issue)
The obverse depicts the bust of King Edward VII in Field Marshall's uniform and the legend, EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR. The reverse is the same as above but with the date omitted. Both the obverse and reverse of the second issue were designed by George William de Saulles.

The medal could be issued in silver or bronze.

Suspension:
A floreated swivelling suspension.

Ribbon:
32mm wide; crimson with two dark green stripes down the centre.

Naming:
Generally in running script. However, medals with the Punjab Frontier clasp or Tirah clasp awarded to the Highland Light Infantry are named in block capitals.

Clasps:
Seven clasps were issued for this medal, as follows:


1. Defence of Chitral 1895
Awarded for the Defence of the Indian state of Chitral on the North West Frontier between 3rd March and 19th April 1895 (above).

2. Relief of Chitral 1895
Awarded for the Relief of Chitral on between 7th March and 15th August 1895.

3. Punjab Frontier 1897-98
Awarded for actions between 10th June 1897 and 6th April 1898. The clasp was authorised in June 1898.

4. Malakand 1897
Awarded for to those who took part in the defence and relief of Chakdara and Malakand between 26th July and 2nd August 1897.

5. Samana 1897
Awarded to the garrisons beyond Kohat for the part they played between 2nd August and 2nd October 1897. This clasp, authorised in June 1898, is always paired with at least one other clasp.

6. Tirah 1897-98
This clasp, authorised in June 1898, was awarded to the Tirah Expeditionary Force for the role it played between 2nd October 1897 and 6th April 1898. Like the Samana 1897 clasp, the Tirah clasp was never awarded singly.


7. Waziristan 1901-2
This bar was awarded to those who were engaged in the Mahsud and Waziri districts between 23rd November 1801 and 10th March 1902. It was authorised in March 1903. All single clasp Waziristan 1901-2 medals were issued with the Edward VII medal version (above).

Acknowledgements:
The photographs are courtesy of Dix Noonan Webb, whilst British Battles and Medals has, as always, proven invaluable in compiling the information.

Scinde Campaign Medals

Instituted:
The medal was authorised on 22nd September 1843.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who accompanied Sir Charles Napier in his campaigns against the Amirs of Scinde (India) between 6th January and 24th March 1843.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter. The obverse portrays the diademed head of Queen Victoria with the legend, VICTORIA REGINA. There were three different strikings of this medal, each with a different reverse as follows:

1. Meeannee - 17th February 1843

MEEANEE above the date 1843; surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a wreath.


2. Hyderabad - 24th March 1843

HYDERABAD above the date 1843; surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a wreath.


3. Meeannee and Hyderabad - 1843

MEEANEE above HYDERABAD above the date 1843; surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a wreath.


The medal was designed by William Wyon RA.

Suspension:
Straight suspender or a large ring passing through a silver clip attached to the medal. Medals to the 22nd Foot have the steel suspenders replaced by silver ones. The cost of this was borne by the then Lieutenant Colonel John Lysaght Pennefather (1800-1872) of the 22nd Foot who was wounded at Meeanee. He is pictured seated, below centre in 1855. For his services during the campaign, Lieutenant Colonel Pennefather was awarded the CB


Ribbon:
45mm wide; rainbow pattern: red, white, yellow, white and blue.

Naming:
Impressed or engraved block letters.

Clasps:
None.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph of the obverse comes from the Spink's July 2009 catalogue whilst the three reverse images are courtesy of Dix Noonan Webb. British Battles and Medals has, as usual, been invaluable in putting the information together.

China War Medal

Instituted:
1843.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who had taken part in the following actions: "In the Canton River, in the operations at Chusan in 1841 and 1842. At Amoy, Ningpo, at Chinpae, at Tsekee, Chapoo, in the River Woosung, in the Yangtse Kiang, and at the assualt of Chiang-Kiang Foo" [from a letter by Lord Stanley to the Duke of Wellington on 5th January 1843].

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter. The obverse portrays the diademed head of Queen Victoria with the legend, VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts the Royal Arms surrounded by a collection of war trophies under a palm tree. The inscription ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACEM [Trans: They demanded peace by force of arms] appears above, whilst in the exergue is the word CHINA and underneath that, the date 1842. The medal was designed by William Wyon RA.

Suspension:
A straight nickel silver suspension.

Ribbon:
32mm wide; crimson with two 6mm yellow edges.

Naming:
Impressed in roman capitals.

Clasps:
None.

Other:
The reverse of the original design of this medal, also designed by William Wyon, showed the British lion trampling the fallen Chinese dragon. ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACIM appeared above, whilst NANKING, and underneath that, 1842, appeared in the exergue. This version of the medal was never issued however, as it was considered to be offensive to the Chinese. Despite this, specimens of this medal are known to exist.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph comes from the Spink and Son July 2009 catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has, as usual, been invaluable in putting the information together.

North West Canada Medal

Instituted:
Authorised by the Canadian Government on 18th September 1885.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who were serving west of Thunder Bay and who took part in the suppression of Riel's (Second) Rebellion of 1885.

Description:
Silver, 35mm wide. The obverse, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, portrays the diademed and veiled head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse, designed by Thomas Brock, depicts a maple wreath enclosing the words NORTH WEST CANADA 1885. The words appear in the following order:

NORTH WEST

1885

CANADA

Suspension:
A swivelling suspender.

Ribbon:
33mm wide; blue grey and with red stripe close to each edge.

Naming:
The medal was issued unnamed although many were subsequently named locally and the units often shown in abbreviated forms.

Clasps:
One clasp was issued for SASKATCHEWAN.

Other:
Also see the Canada General Service Medal.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from the Spink & Son July 2009 auction catalogue and shows the North West Canada Medal with Saskatchewan clasp. British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

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.

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.

Punjab Campaign Medal

Instituted:
Authorised by a General Order dated 2nd April 1849.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who were employed in the Punjab between 7th September 1848 and the 14th March 1849.

Description:
A silver, 36mm diameter medal featuring the diademed head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The medal was designed by William Wyon (1795-1851) who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death.

The reverse depicts Major-General Sir Walter Gilbert on horseback, receiving the surrender of the Sikh armies. Around the top of the medal is the inscription TO THE ARMY OF THE PUNJAB, whilst the date (1853 expressed in roman numerals) - MDCCCXLIX - appears in the exergue.

Ribbon:
32mm wide, two yellow stripes close to each edge, the remainder dark blue.

Suspension:
An ornamental, swivelling suspender.

Naming:
Impressed in roman capitals.

Clasps:
Three were issued and these are described below:

1. Mooltan
Awarded to those who took part in the siege of Mooltan between 7th September 1848 and 22nd January 1849. 2900 clasps were issued to Europeans and 16,067 to natives.

2. Chilianwala
Awarded for the action of 13th January 1849. 4300 clasps were issued to Europeans and 16,153 to natives.

3. Goojerat
Awarded for the action of 21st February 1849. 6200 clasps were issued to Europeans and 26,760 to natives.

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

Jellalabad Medals

Instituted:
1842.

Qualification:
Awarded to men who took part in the defence of - and withstood the siege of - Jellalabad (now Jalalabad) in Afghanistan between 12th November 1841 and 7th April 1842.

Two versions of the medal were issued, generally referred to as the Mural Crown (first type) and Flying Victory (second type).

First Type Description:
Silver, 39mm diameter, with a straight steel suspender fastened by a pin. The obverse portrays a mural crown and the word JELLALABAD. The reverse carries the date VII APRIL 1842. The image above shows a replacement suspension.

This medal was struck in Calcutta but was considered (understandably) inartistic. Furthermore, not enough medals were struck to issue to the next of kin. Consequently, a second type was struck in London (below). A free exchange was offered to men who had received the first type but it is recorded that only five men of the 13th Regiment of Foot took up the offer.



Second Type Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter with a straight steel suspender fastened by a pin. The obverse portrays the diademed head of Queen Victoria with the words VICTORIA VINDEX. A few medals were later struck with the words VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts winged Victory holding the Union Jack in her left hand and wreaths in her right. Around the top is the inscription JELLALABAD VII APRIL and in the exergue, the date MDCCCXLII.

The medal was designed by William Wyon (1795-1851) who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death.

Ribbon:
Watered rainbow pattern: red, white, yellow, white, blue.

Naming:
Different types of naming exist for the The Mural Crown type: around the edge and on the obverse under the crown. The medal was not officially named when first issued.

Winged Victory naming is in the form of indented block capitals around the edge.

Clasps:
None issued.

Other:
British Battles and Medals notes that 2654 medals were issued in total.

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

Canada General Service Medal

Instituted
7th January 1899 and awarded to all those who qualified for the medal and were still living. An Army Order of 1906 extended the period of applying for the medal until 1st July 1907 and this was later further extended to 31st December 1928.

Qualification:
Awarded to members of the Imperial and Canadian forces which took part in the suppression of the Fenian Raids in 1866 and 1870, and Riels' First Rebellion, also in 1870. This latter action was also known as the Red River Rebellion or the Red River Resistance depending, presumably, upon which side of the fence you stood.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter, with a plain, straight swivel suspender. The obverse portrays the veiled bust of Queen Victoria with the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse depicts the Canadian flag surrounded by a wreath of maple leafs. The word CANADA appears above.

The obverse on the medal was designed by Thomas Brock (1847-1922) and the reverse by George William de Saulles (1862-1903). Thomas Brock was a prolific English sculptor, probably best known for the Imperial Memorial to Queen Victoria situated in front of Buckingham Palace. He was knighted in 1911. George de Saulles (1862-1903) was, as Chief Engraver, responsible for official medals between 1894 and 1902.

Ribbon:
Three equal stripes of red, white and red.

Naming:
Several different naming types are to be found. Medals issued to English Regiments (approximately 820) were impressed in capitals or engraved. Medals issued to Canadian recipients are to be found in large indented block capitals, indented lower case letters and - for the most part for those awarded to Naval recipients - engraved in large or small capitals.


Clasps:
Three clasps were awarded: Fenian Raid 1866, Fenian Raid 1870, and Red River 1870. The medal was always issued with a clasp. Four different dies were used for the 1866 clasp, five for the 1870 clasp and three for the Red River clasp.

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.

Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal

Instituted:
Authorised by the Cape of Good Hope Government on 4th December 1900, with the approval of Queen Victoria.

Qualification:
Awarded to men who took part in the suppression of uprisings in Transkei, Basutoland and Bechuanland.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter, with a swivelling straight suspender. The obverse portrays the bust of Queen Victoria wearing a veil and a small crown, with the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse depicts the arms of Cape Colony and the legend, CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

The medal was designed by George William de Saulles (1862-1903) who, as Chief Engraver, was responsible for official medals between 1894 and 1902.

Ribbon:
Dark blue with a yellow stripe running down the centre.

Naming:
Those engraved in the UK were done so in thin, faint block capitals. Later issues engraved in Cape Town were impressed in square capitals.

Clasps:
Three clasps were awarded and these are listed below.

1. Transkei
Awarded for operations in Tembuland and Giqualand East between 13th September 1880 and 15th May 1881

2. Basutoland
Awarded for operations between 13th September 1880 and 27th April 1881 at Mafetang, Maseru, Kalabani and elsewhere.

3. Bechuanaland
Awarded for operations in Bechuanaland between 24th December 1886 and 30th July 1897.

A total of 5252 medals were issued and only ten were issued without a clasp. The breakdown - courtesy of British Battles and Medals - is as follows:

Transkei: 562
Basutoland: 1589
Bechuanaland: 2483
Transkei and Basutoland: 490
Transkei and Bechuanaland: 18
Basutoland and Bechaunaland: 77
Transkie, Basutoland and Bechaunaland: 23
No clasps: 10

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

Baldwin's - Orders, Decorations and Medals

I've just added a new section on the right-hand column for for forthcoming medal auctions. If your name is RENNIE or you have an interest in that surname, there are some fantastic lots coming up in the Baldwin's sale at the end of this month.

CLICK ON THIS BALDWIN'S LINK TO VIEW THE CATALOGUE.

South Africa Medal 1877-1879

Instituted:
1879

Qualification:
Awarded for operations against various African tribes between September 1877 and December 1879.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter, with an ornamental scroll swivelling suspension. The obverse portrays the diademed head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts the lion of South Africa crouching in front of a protea bush. Above are the words SOUTH AFRICA; below the lion a Zulu shield and crossed spears.

As with the Indian Mutiny Medal, the South Africa Medal design is another father/son collaboration. The obverse of the medal was designed by William Wyon (1795-1851) who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death. (See also the Army of India Medal). The reverse was designed by his eldest son, Leonard Charles Wyon (1826-1891) who became Second Engraver at the Royal Mint in 1844 and who succeeded his father as Modeler and Engraver in 1851.

Ribbon:
Watered, orange-yellow with two narrow and two wide stripes in dark blue.

Naming:
Engraved capital letters.

Clasps:
Seven clasps were awarded and these are listed below. The medal could also be issued without a clasp (also below). After a good deal of deliberation on the part of the War Office, and after three Royal Warrants had been issued it was decided to issue only one clasp per medal, that clasp representing the year, or number of years, that the recipient had been employed against an enemy.

1. 1877
The second least common of the clasps with approximately 150 awarded.

2. 1877-8
Approximately 5,820 awarded.

3. 1877-8-9
Approximately 3,520 awarded.

4. 1877-9
The rarest of all the clasps. Approximately eight awarded.

5. 1878
Approximately 2,000 awarded.

6. 1878-9
Approximately 1,180 awarded.

7. 1879
Approximately 18,330 awarded.

Men entitled to any of the above clasps who were already in possession of the earlier South Africa 1853 medal were supposed to declare this to the authorities so that the appropriate clasp from the 1877-79 campaign could be added to their earlier medal.

In all, 36,600 medals were struck, 5,600 of these issued without a clasp to men who took part in the Zulu operations between 11th January and 1st September 1879 but who did not cross into Zululand from Natal.

Operations:
The operations for which the above bars were awarded were as follows:

1. Operations against the Gcalekas and the Gaikas (1877-78).

2. Operations against the Griquas in 1878.

3. Operations against Sekukuni in 1878 and 1879.

4. Operations against Moirosi in 1879.

5. The Zulu War of 1879.

Other:
The medal is also referred to as the Zulu War Medal and the South Africa General Service Medal.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from Dix Noonan's September 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Ashantee Medal

Instituted:
1st June 1874

Qualification:
Those serving in Major-General Sir Garnet Wolseley's campaign against the Ashantis between 9th June 1873 and 4th February 1874.

Description:
36mm diameter medal, silver and bronze, featuring the veiled head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts a bush-fighting scene around a tree between British soldiers and Ashanti tribesemen.

The obverse of the medal was designed by Leonard Charles Wyon (1826-1891). The reverse was designed by Sir Edward John Poynter (1836-1919), many of whose works can be seen at The Tate Gallery in London.

Ribbon:
32mm wide. Yellow with black borders and two thin black stripes down the centre.

Naming:
The recipient's name engraved in roman capitals. The rim dated 1873-4.

Clasps:
One clasp was awarded for this medal - Coomassie. However, those men who later qualified for the East and West Africa Medal ( for various operations between 1887 and 1900) were awarded the bar/s only which were then to be attached to the Ashantee Medal.

The Coomassie clasp was awarded to all those who were present at the battle of Amoaful on 21st January 1874 and in the actions between Amoaful and Coomassie, including the capture of the capital on 4th February 1874.

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

Indian Mutiny Medal

Instituted:
Originally sanctioned by General Order No. 363 dated 18th August 1858 and No. 733 of 1859 to all troops engaged against the mutineers, this was later extended by General Order 771 in 1868 to all persons who had borne arms or been under fire.

Qualification:See above.

Description:
A silver, 36mm diameter medal featuring the diademed head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts the standing, helmeted figure of Britannia. She faces left and holds a wreath in her right outstreched hand. Over her left arm is a shield and behind her the British lion. The word INDIA is written above her, and the dates 1857-1858 beneath.

The obverse of the medal was designed by William Wyon who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death in 1851. (See alsothe Army of India Medal). The reverse was designed by his eldest son, Leonard Charles Wyon (1826-1891) who became Second Engraver at the Royal Mint in 1844 and who succeeded his father as Modeler and Engraver in 1851.

Ribbon:32mm wide. White with two 6mm scralet stripes.

Naming:
The recipient's name and regiment, or ship, indented in roman capitals.

Clasps:
Five fish-tailed clasps were issued and these are listed below. Around 290,000 medals were also issued without clasps, the result of the 1868 General Order.

1. Delhi
Awarded to troops involved in the recapture of Delhi between 30th May and 14th September 1857.

2. Defence of Lucknow
Awarded to original defenders, the relief force and a few civilians. The qualifying period was 29th June - 22nd November 1857.

3. Relief of Lucknow
Awarded to troops under Sir Colin Campbell who were involved in the relief of the city in November 1857.

4. Lucknow
Awarded to troops who took part in the final operations resulting in the capture of Lucknow between November 1857 and March 1858.

5. Central India
Awarded to those who served under Major-General Sir Hugh Rose against Jhansi, Calpee and Gwalior, and those who served with Major-General Roberts in the Rajpatana Field Force and Major-General Whitlock of the Madras Column between January and June 1858.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from Dix Noonan's September 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Army of India Medal

Instituted:
An order dated 21st March 1851 authorised the East India Company to issue a medal to all survivors who served in India between 1799 and 1826.

Qualification:
See above. The period covered encompassed four wars: the Second Mahratta War (1803–4), the Gurkha War (1814–16), the Pindaree or Third Mahratta War (1817–18), and the First Burmese War (1824–26). Because the medal was issued retrospectively, and some 48 years after the first qualifying action at Allighur in 1803, fewer medals were issued than would have been the case had awards been made immediately after the campaigns. As it was, around 4,500 medals were issued in total, the vast majority of these with only a single clasp.

Description:
A silver, 35mm diameter medal featuring the diademed head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts the figure of Victory, seated and facing left. In her right hand she holds a laurel branch, and in her right hand a wreath. A palm tree can be seen to the left and around the top is the wording, TO THE ARMY OF INDIA. The dates 1799-1826 appear at the bottom. The medal was designed by William Wyon who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death in 1851. It was a William Wyon design which was the model for Queen Victoria's head on the Penny Black and other later Victorian postage stamps.

The length of the hyphen between the two dates is known to vary. Those with a long hyphen are thought to have been sent out to India unnamed and then named in Calcutta and sent to claimants still serving in India. Medals with a shorter hyphen and the designer's initials (WW) were largely issued to the Queen's ships and regiments.

Ribbon:
32mm wide and light blue.

Naming:
Generally in indented capitals to British and European troops and various indented capitals and script to natives.

Clasps:
This medal was only issued with clasps and there were twenty-one clasps issued in total. These are listed below in date order, earliest first. The order of the clasps on this medal is different from most medals in that the last award is placed nearest the medal.

1. Allighur
Awarded for the action of 4th September 1803.

2. Battle of Delhi
Awarded for the action of 11th September 1803.

3. Assye
Awarded for the action of 23rd September 1803.
Assye is today, Assaye in the state of Maharashtra. Read more about the Battle of Assye at British Battles.com. The Duke of Wellington, who was a colonel (and acting Major General) at Assye would later say that Assye was his hardest fought battle.

4. Asserghur
Awarded for the action of 21st October 1803.

5. Laswaree
Awarded for the action of 1st November 1803.

6. Argauum
Awarded for the action of 29th November 1803.

7. Gawilghur
Awarded for the action of 15th December 1803.

8. Defence of Delhi
Awarded for the actions of 8th-14th October 1804.

9. Battle of Deig
Awarded for the action of 13th November 1804.

10. Capture of Deig
Awarded for the actions of 11th-23rd December 1804.

11. Nepaul
Awarded for the actions of October 1814 to March 1816.

12. Kirkee
Awarded for the action of 5th November 1817.

13. Poona
Awarded for the actions of 11th-16th November 1817.

14. Kirkee and Poona
Awarded for the actions of 5th-16th November 1817.

15. Seetabuldee
Awarded for the actions of 26th-27th November 1817.

16. Napgore
Awarded for the action of 16th December 1817.

17. Seetabuldee and Nagpore
Awarded for the actions of 26th-27th November 1817 and 16th December 1817.

18. Maheidpoor
Awarded for the action of 21st December 1817.

19. Corygaum
Awarded for the action of 1st January 1818.

20. Ava
Awarded for actions between 1824 and 1826.

21. Bhurtpoor
Awarded to men who took part in the siege of Bhurtpoor between 17th and 18th January 1826.

Other:
The first action commemorated on a clasp for this medal was the assault on the fortress at Allighur on 4th September 1803, a date which does not of course agree with the dates 1799-1826 that are mentioned on the reverse of the medal.

Seven clasps were awarded to one man - the most awarded. Two men received five clasps, twenty-three received four, and one hundred and forty nine received three.

Medals with the Ava clasp are the most common; those with the Kirkee (seven known issues) and Seetabuldee (two issues to Europeans) clasps, the most rare.

Sales:
An Army of India medal with a scarce combination of Battle of Deig and Capture of Deig clasps (only 32 entitlements for this combination) was sold at auction by Dix Noonan Webb in June 2009 for £7,800 against a top estimate of £4,500.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from Dix Noonan's September 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Kabul to Kandahar Star

Instituted:
Authorised on 19th March 1881.

Qualification:
It was awarded to all those who took part in General Roberts’s three hundred mile march from Kabul to Kandahar between 9th and 31st August 1880.

Description:
A five-pointed star with a ball between all of the points except the two uppermost where a crown is fixed. The obverse has the mongram VRI in the centre. Around the border is KABVL TO KANDAHAR and the date 1880 at the bottom. The reverse is plain except for naming in the hollow centre (see below). Designer unknown; manufactured by H Jenkins & Sons of Birmingham.

Ribbon:
38mm wide and a rainbow pattern of red, white, yellow, white, blue.

Naming:
Indented capitals to British troops; engraved in capitals and script to natives.

Clasps:
None issued.

Other:
The Kabul to Kandahar Star was usually issued with the Afghanistan Medal (with Kandahar clasp) and was made from guns captured from the army of Ayub Khan.

Errors in naming to Foot instead of Regt have been found (Childers' 1881 reforms saw the old Regiments of Foot giving way to new County Regiments).

Photo:
Image borrowed from the Dixons Medals website.

Afghanistan Medal

Instituted:
Authorised on 19th March 1881.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who took part in the Afghanistan campaigns of 22nd November 1878 to 26th May 1879 and 3rd September 1879 to 20th September 1880.

Description:
Silver, 31mm diameter with plain, swivelling suspender. The obverse portrays the crowned and draped head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse (above) depicts marching and mounted troops and an elephant carrying a cannon. The word AFGHANISTAN appears around the top, and the dates 1878-79-80 at the bottom. The obverse was designed by J E H Boehm and the reverse by R Caldecott.

Ribbon:
Green with crimson stripe on each edge.

Naming:
A variety of different styles. Medals to British troops were engraved in upright or sloping capitals whilst those awarded to natives are found in capitals or script.

Clasps:
Six bars were issued and these are listed below.

1. Ali Musjid
Awarded for the action of 11th July 1882.

2. Peiwar Kotal
Awarded for the action of 2nd December 1878.

3. Charasia
Awarded for the action of 6th October 1879

4. Kabul
Awarded for those involved in operations at or near Kabul between 10th and 23rd December 1879, including the column under Brigadier General C J S Gough which joined Sir Frederick Roberts VC on 24th December that year.

5. Ahmed Khel
Awarded for the action of 29th April 1880.

6. Kandahar
Awarded for the action of 1st September 1880 and also to those who took part in the reconnaissance of the city the previous day but who did not take part in the attack.

Other:
Sixteen Victoria Crosses were awarded for valour during the Afghan campaign and five generals who were VC holders also took part in the campaign.

The Kabul to Kandahar Star was usually issued with the Afghanistan Medal (with Kandahar clasp) and was made from guns captured from the army of Ayub Khan. It was awarded to all those who took part in General Roberts’s three hundred mile march from Kabul to Kandahar between 9th and 31st August 1880.

Photo:
Image borrowed from the Dixons Medals website.

Egypt Medal 1882-1889

Instituted:October 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:
Silver, 36mm diameter with swivelling suspender. The obverse portrays the veiled head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse depicts the sphinx atop a pedestal and with the word EGYPT above.

Medals awarded for the 1882 campaign have the year 1882 appearing beneath the pedestal. Medals for the later campaigns are undated.

Ribbon:Three blue stripes left, centre and right,with two white stripes in between these.

Naming:
A variety of different styles although generally engraved in distinctive sloping serif capitals. There are examples of undated medals to the Navy and Marines impressed in large serif capitals, and to Indian units in engraved running script or impressed small serif capitals. Medals issued to local Egyptian forces are engraved in Arabic.

Clasps:Thirteen clasps were issued and these are listed below. The first two - Alexandria and Tel-El-Kabir - were issued for the 1882 campaign only. The dated and undated medal could also be issued without clasps and men who had been issued with the 1882 medal and clasp/s and who subsequently served in a later Egyptian campaign, had to return their medal to have a complete new set of clasps. Thus genuine multi-clasp medals with the Alexandria or Tel-El-Kabir clasp all have uniform rivets.

1. Alexandria 11th July
Awarded for the action of 11th July 1882 and found on dated medals.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1882 Khedive's Star.

2. Tel-El-Kabir
Awarded for the action of 13th September 1882 and found on dated medals.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1882 Khedive's Star.

3. Suakin 1884Awarded for action between 19th February and 26th March 1884.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884 Khedive's Star.

4. El-Teb
Awarded for the action of 29th February 1884.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884 Khedive's Star.

5. Tamaai
Awarded for the action of 13th March 1884.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884 Khedive's Star.

Regiments present: one squadron each from the 10th Hussars and 19th Hussars; M/1 Battery and 6/1st Scottish Divisional Royal Artillery, 26th Company Royal Engineers, 3/60th, 65th, 70th, 75th and 89th Regiments of Foot; also Native Camel Transport.  HM Navy was represnted by officers, seamen and marines from the following ships: Briton, Carysfort, Dryad, Euralysus, Hecla, Humber, Inconstant, Inflexible, Northumberland, Sphinx, Thalia and Tyne.

6. El-Teb-Tamaai
Awarded for the actions of 29th February 1884 & 13th March 1884.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884 Khedive's Star.

7. The Nile 1884-1885
Awarded for service with the Khartoum relief expedition prior to 7th March 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

8. Abu Klea
Awarded for the action of 17th January 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

9. Kirbekan
Awarded for the action of 10th February 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

10. Suakin 1885
Awarded for actions between 1st March and 14th May 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

11. Tofrek
Awarded for the action of 22nd March 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

12. Gemaizah 1888
Granted to all troops who were landed at Suakin before the action at Gemaizah on 20th December 1888.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the undated Khedive's Star.

Regiments present: 20th Hussars (147), 24 Company Royal Engineers (17), 2/25th Foot, 41st Foot, 86th Foot; also Egyptian Native Troops.  There were also Naval detachments from HMS Starling, HMS Racer and the Khedive's Noor-l-Bahr.

13. Toski 1889
Awarded for the action of 3rd August 1889.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the undated Khedive's Star.

Note: The Abu Klea and Kirbejan clasps are always paired with The Nile 1884-1885 clasp. The Tofrek clasp is always paired with the Suakin 1885 clasp.

Khedive's Sudan Medal

Instituted:
12th February 1897.

Qualification:
Awarded to officers and men who took part in battles and actions in the African Sudan between 1896 and 1908. The medal (under Army Order 48) was originally issued to commemorate the reconquest of the Dongola Province in 1896 and with the clasps "Firket" and "Hafir" This was later extended by subsequent army orders to cover actions up to 21st November 1908 (and with a further 13 clasps).

Description:
Silver and bronze 39mm diameter. The obverse bears the Arabic inscription "Abbas Hilmi the Second" and the year Islamic Calendar year (or Hijri Calendar year) "1314". The reverse shows a tablet inscribed in Arabic with "The Reconquest of the Sudan 1314" which supports a trophy of arms. Above this is an oval shield decorated with stars and crescents and behind this, lances and flags.

Ribbon:
Yellow (representing the desert) with a large blue band (representing the Nile) running through the centre.

Naming:
The medal was issued un-named although unofficially named examples are found in a number of different styles.

Clasps:
Fifteen clasps cover the period 1896 to 1908. Men entitled to any of the first six clasps noted below would also have qualified for the Queen's Sudan Medal.

1. Firket
Awarded to those military personnel who were serving at or to the south of Sarras between the 30th March and the 23rd September 1896 inclusive, and to those serving at Suakin between the same dates who took part in the operations south of Akasheh on the 7th June 1896.

2. Hafir
Awarded to those who took part in the operations south of Fareig on 19th September 1896.

3. Sudan 1897
Awarded to troops who had already been granted the medal and who served at and south of Kerma on the Nile or south of No. 6 Station on the Abu Hamed Railway between the 15th July and 6th November 1897.

4. Abu Hamed
There is quite a long list of qualifications for this clasp. Essentially, troops had to have taken part in the engagement at Abu Hamed on 7th August 1897 to receive it.

5. The Atbara
Awarded to those who took part in the battle at Atbara on the 8th April 1898.

6. Khartoum
Awarded to those who took part in the battle near Khartoum on 2nd September 1898.

7. Gedaref
Awarded to those who took part in the capture of Gedaref on the 22nd September 1898, and in the subsequent engagements in that neighbourhood.

8. Gedid
Awarded to those troops who took part in the action at Gedid (or its vicinity) on 22nd and 24th November 1899.

9. Sudan 1899
Awarded to those troops who served on the Blue and White Nile south of Khartoum during 1899.
10. Bahr El Ghazal 1900-1902
Awarded to those troops who took part in the policing operations in the Bahr El Ghazal Province under Sparkes Bey in 1900-1902.

11. Jerok
Awarded to all troops under the command of Miralai Gorringe Bey, CMG, DSO who took part in the operations against the slave raider Ibrahim Wad Mahmud at and around Gebel Jerok between 11th February 1904 and 3rd March 1904.

12. Nyam Nyam
Awarded to all troops under William Arthur Boulnois Bey (Governor of Bahr El Ghazal) who took part in the suppression of trouble in the Bahr El Ghazal Province between January and May 1905.

13. Talodi
Awarded to all troops under the command of Miralai O'Connell Bey who formed part of the garrison at Talodi between the 25th May and 12th June 1906 and who took part in the fighting at Teira on the 15th and 17th June 1906.

14. Katfia
Awarded to all troops who took part in the action of Katfia on the night of 1st/2nd May 1908.

15. Nyima
Awarded to all troops under the command of El Kaimakam Lempriere Bey who served at Dilling, or south and west of Dilling between the 1st and 21st November 1908.

Other:
A second Khedive's Sudan medal was issued in 1910 and clasps for that medal would eventually cover actions and engagements up until 1921.

Image:
Shows the reverse of the Khedive's Sudan Medal and is borrowed from the Dixons Medals website.

Queen's Sudan Medal

Instituted:
1899.

Qualification:
Awarded to officers and men who took part in the Sudan campaign between 1896 and 1898. Originally mainly an Egyptian affair, two British brigades subsequently joined the campaign (see Other, below).

Description:Silver and bronze 36.5mm diameter. The obverse portrays the bust of Queen Victoria holding a sceptre. Around the perimeter is the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse portrays a plinth inscribed with SUDAN, from underneath which Nile lilies sprout. Victory sits on top of the plinth holding a laurel wreath in her left hand and a palm branch in her right. Behind her, to her right, is the British flag, and behind on her left, the Egyptian flag.

Ribbon:
A thin red stripe running down the centre divides yellow on the left and black on the right.

Naming:
A combination of engraved and impressed largely depending on the nationality of the recipient. British awards are engraved in square upright or sloping serif capitals. Awards to Indian troops are impressed or engraved in running script. Medals to Egyptian troops can sometimes be found engraved in Arabic script.

Clasps:
No clasps were awarded for this medal although an unofficial clasp bearing the name DONGOLA is supposed to exist.

Other:
The British force comprised the 1st British Brigade which was commanded by Brigadier General (later Major General) Andrew (Andy) Wauchope, and the 2nd British Brigade which was commanded by Brigadier General (later General) Sir Neville Lyttelton.

The 1st British Brigade comprised the 1st Bn Cameron Highlanders, 1st Bn Royal Warwickshire Regt, 1st Bn Seaforth Highlanders and the 1st Bn Lincolnshire Regt.

The 2nd British Brigade comprised the 1st Bn Grenadier Guards, 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers, 2nd Bn Rifle Brigade and the 2nd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers.

Additional reinforcements included the 21st Lancers (who would make their maiden charge at Omdurman and who could count Winston Churchill and Douglas Haig amongst their ranks), two field batteries with 5 inch howitzers and 9 pounder Maxim-Nordenfeldt guns, a four gun Maxim battery, and seven gunboats.

Sudan Campaign books from the Naval & Military Press

Egyptian Soudan, its loss and recovery 1896-1898


This book includes a rapid sketch of the history of Sudan, a narrative of the Dongola expedition of 1896, and a full account of the Nile expedition of 1897-1898. The first part describes the early days of the country, its conquest by the Egyptian Khedive, Mahomed Ali, the foundation of Khartoum and its place as the great central slave market. The involvement of the British in suppressing this trade brought Gordon to Khartoum, subsequently the scene of his death in January 1885 when Khartoum was was taken by the Mahdi. A relief force arrived two days too late - and withdrew to Egypt leaving the Mahdi in control. Eventually the decision was taken to reconquer the Sudan and in 1896 Kitchener, the Sirdar of Egypt, was given the task. The account of the two years it took forms the main part of this book, culminating in the battle of Omdurman. There are two very informative appendices, the one provides the organization of the forces of the Dongola and Nile expeditions with a complete nominal roll of all the officers, the other is the roll of honour of British officers, WOs, NCOs and Men who lost their lives in the campaign. CLICK HERE TO ORDER.

With Kitchener to Khartum


This account by war correspondent G W Steevens begins with the background to the Sudan campaign - the rise of the Mahdi, Gordon, the state of the Egyptian Army, the construction of the Sudan Military Railway which was to play a highly significant part in Kitchener’s reconquest of the Sudan in 1898. There is a useful chronology of the chief events of the campaign from from the start of the advance in Feb, through the battle of the Atbara, the move on Khartum culminating in the battle of Omdurman on 2 Sep 1898 which brought the campaign to an end. The description of Omdurman itself, the Khalifa’s capital, after it fell to the Anglo-Egyptian force, is hardly an attractive one: "Everything was wretched. And Foul. They dropped their dung where they listed; they drew their water from beside green sewers; they had filled the streets and khors with dead donkeys; they left their brothers to rot and puff up hideously in the sun. The stench of the place was in your nostrils, in your throat in your stomach." CLICK HERE TO ORDER.