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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 237

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 2 clasps, Tamaai, The Nile 1884-85 (2398. Pte. W. Hampson. 19th Hussars.), suspension somewhat slack, heavy pitting, edge bruising, nearly very fine

One of 34 Tamaai bars issued to the 19th Hussars.

William John Hampson was born at Liverpool in 1863 and appears upon the 1881 census as a barman at 79 Whitechapel, Liverpool. Attesting for the 19th Hussars on 30 November 1882, he joined after the Regiment had left for Egypt and as such embarked to join them on 18 December 1883. However a bout of Balanitis left him hospitalized in Italy and he did not arrive until January 1884 at Abbassiyeh. The next month the Regiment was ordered to join the British forces gathering in Sudan under General Graham.

He was not present at the Battle of El-Teb but did join the later expedition to Tamaai on 13 February 1884. Here the cavalry brigade was less heavily engaged, advancing with General Buller's square towards General Davis' broken square. The two formations made good use of their position to pour on heavy and accurate fire to drive back the Dervishes and allowed Davis' men to reform.

Returning to Cairo Hampson was present for the Nile expedition, leaving in late October of that year. Tragically they were unable to relieve the garrison of Khartoum before the city fell and in May the following year Hampson embarked for Britain. Promoted Lance Sergeant in November 1889 he was transferred to the Army Reserve in that rank and was discharged on 29 November 1894. At the time he was living at St. Arnaud Street, Liverpool; sold together with copied research comprising census data, medal rolls and service papers.

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Sold for
£220

Starting price
£180