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Auction: 20002 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Space Exploration
Lot: 78

(x) The Ashantee Medal awarded to Colonel Sir W. Green, K.C.B., 42nd Highlanders, who led a distinguished military career in India and Africa, being six times 'mentioned'

Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (Major: Wm. Green. 42nd. Highds. 1873-4.), suspension a little loose, otherwise good very fine

William Green was born on 31 August 1836 and was appointed Ensign in the 42nd Regiment of Foot on 16 January 1855. Promoted Lieutenant on 13 April 1855, he served during the Crimean Campaign with the 42nd Highlanders from 14 July 1855, including the siege and fall of Sebastopol (Medal & Clasp). He also served during the Indian Mutiny from 1857-58, being present at the actions at Kala Nuddie Bridge, Shumshabad, the siege and fall of Lucknow, Allygunge, and the attack and capture of Bareilly and Sisseaghat (Medal & Clasp). He was later mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 18 April 1859, refers).

Promoted Captain on 19 August 1859 and Major on 5 July 1872, Green embarked for the Gold Coast with the 42nd Highlanders and was placed in command of 100 men at Yancomassi Fanti, receiving the Ashantee Medal (The Times 19 May 1897, refers). Appointed Lieutenant Colonel on 13 January 1881, he served with the 1st Battalion of the Black Watch in the Egyptian War of 1882, and was present at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir and the engagements of El Teb and Tamaii. Slightly wounded at the latter, he was mentioned in despatches on three further occasions (London Gazette 27 March 1881, 6 May 1881 & 2 November 1882, refer) and decorated with the C.B., Order of Osmanieh, 4th Class, and the Khedive's Star.

Sent to the Sudan and on the Nile Expeditition of 1884-85, Green fought in the action at Kirbekan (Medal & 2 clasps) and was mentioned in despatches twice more (London Gazette 10 April 1885 & 25 August 1885, refer). Appointed Brigadier-General in Egypt from 1 July 1885-August 1886, he was placed in command of a Brigade at Assouan from 6 July 1885, before returning home and commanding the 75th Regimental District (The Gordon Highlanders) at Aberdeen. He was appointed K.C.B. following the expiration of the term of his appointment as Colonel Commanding.

Having witnessed so much conflict during his military career, the gallant Colonel died at his residence, 'Lynnburn', in Aberlour, Scotland, in consequence of a paralytic stroke from which he never rallied (The Times, refers); sold together with two copied photographs of the recipient wearing full medal entitlement and a hand-written letter from Colonel Wauchope, dated 13 June 1897, enquiring as to the whereabouts of the K.C.B. decoration to his 'late friend', on behalf of his widow.


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Sold for
£700

Starting price
£320