Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 80

Pair: Private H. Spanswick, East Surrey Regiment

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (1359. Pte H. Spanswick. 2/E. Surr: R.); Khedive's Star 1884-86, very fine (2)

Henry Spanswick was born at Pewsey, Wiltshire in 1854. Enlisted with 47 Sub-District Brigade on 14 November 1878 at Kingston on Thames. He served here until 18 December 1879 before being posted to East India. While Spanswick was serving here the two regiments which made up 47 Sub-District Brigade were amalgamated to become the East Surrey Regiment. His India posting came to an end on 25 September 1884 when 2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment was transferred to the Suez from which they moved to Cairo. Joining Sir Gerald Graham's Field Force they were ordered to defeat Osman Digna's forces near Suakin.

The East Surrey's arrived in Suakin on 27 February 1885 and encamped to the north of the town. They took part in repeated minor engagements including the clash at Hashin on 19 March but were acting as a garrison during the battles of Tofrek and Tamai and as such played no role in the fighting. The Regiment returned to Egypt by 11 May and Spanswick returned home on 7 September 1885. He continued to serve with the East Surrey Regiment until 14 November 1990, although he was not posted with them to South Africa on the outbreak of the Boer War; sold together with copied attestation and service records.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£150

Starting price
£140