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Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 227

The Africa General Service Medal awarded to Colonel Commandant P. R. Legh, 116th Mahrattas, who commanded the 16th Bombay Infantry during the Jubaland campaign with distinction

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Jubaland (Lt: Col: P. R. Legh, 16/Bombay Inf:), good very fine

Piers Richard Legh was first appointed to a commission in the 16th Bombay Infantry in 1879 and served as Major (Commanding Officer) - one of just seven officers - with the unit during the Jubaland operations in 1901. The operations were brought against the Ogaden Somalis following the murder of Mr Jenner (Sub-Commissioner of Jubaland) in the previous November. With the unit being called to action in January 1901, the force was placed under the command of Colonel Trevor Ternan, C.B., D.S.O. - who was taken ill at Dida Hare on 1 February. Legh was thus appointed Acting Commander for the following day of operations.

The Regimental History gives a good account of the following actions:

'The operations consisted of roughly two phases. (1) Advance of a column to Afmadu, and of a small column from thence into the dense Jungle, country into which the enemy had retired. (2) Advance of a column by the river road to Mfudu, supplies being brought up by boat, and the occupation of Kurkumes by a mixed force.

In the first phase Kismayu, Gobwen and Yonti were garrisoned by Detachments of the 16th Bombay Infantry under Captain Mead, Lieutenant Robinson and Lieutenant Hunter; Major Legh with Lieutenant and Adjutant Bridges, Lieutenants Holmes and Robertson, Glasgow and 150 men proceeded with the advance column.

...On the 12th a Flying Column consisting of the Aden Camel Corps, 1 gun of the Battery, one Company 16th Bombay Infantry with Major Legh and Lieutenant Bridges and 3 Companies East African Rifles set off under Colonel Ternan. On 13th Captain Gordon of the Camel Corps managed to capture about 100 of the enemy's cattle. On the 14th tracks of the enemy were found and it became evident that they were retiring into the thick and waterless jungle country.

Major Legh was placed at this time in charge of the Camel Corps, Captain Gordon has been knocked up with the hard work and sun.'

The Column found themselves in a number of hot engagements with the enemy, with a fierce attack on 16 February from the thick jungle, having stalked the flanks of the Column that by this time had become trailed out. The attack on the hospital cost the life of Colonel Maitland, Indian Medical Service, besides about forty others killed and wounded - the 16th Bombay lost two killed and two wounded. Legh's unit had provided fine service, they sailed home on 12 June, earning the Battle Honour 'East Africa 1901' for their colours, with Legh being the first name in Colonel Ternan's despatch:

'Major Legh commanded the 16th Bombay Infantry throughout the operations in an entirely satisfactory manner, and proved himself to be a most hard-working and energetic officer.'

Legh marched the regiment from Poona to Nasirabad to relieve the 25th Bombay Rifles in November 1902 and was promoted Colonel Commandant on 3 June 1907, having also passed the Russian language examination; sold together with related copied extracts.

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Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£280