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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 88

(x) Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 3 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, Suakin 1885, Tofrek (Ag. C of Sups. W. Gooding C & T. S.), highlights polished and some pitting to obverse and reverse, about very fine

W. Gooding appears to have served with the 12th Company Commissariat Transport Corps during the Egyptian Campaign, and is confirmed on the Medal Roll as an Acting Conductor of Supplies. At the Battle of Tofrek (22 March 1885), despite not being in a front-line unit Gooding may well have been caught up in the confused and serious fighting with an eye-witness later recalling the Arab charge and subsequent stampeding of the transport animals:

'Everything seemed to come at once: camels, transport of all kinds, water carts, ammunition mules, 17th Native Infantry, Madras Sappers, sick-bearers, Transport Corps, Cavalry and Arabs fighting in the midst. All these passed close to me, and went out on the other side of the zeriba, carrying away with them a number of the Marines and Officers who eventually got together and returned. The dust raised by this crowd was so great that I couldn't see anything beyond our zeriba for a minute or two, and it was impossible to see who was standing or what was likely to happen. The men behaved splendidly and stood quite still. It was the highest test of discipline I shall ever see.' (The Battle of Tofrek, fought near Suakin, March 22nd 1885, W. Galloway, refers).

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£350

Starting price
£180