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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 242

Pair: Colour-Sergeant R. Lindsay, 2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (1788. Sgt. R. Lindsay. 2/HighrL L. I.), heavy pitting and edge wear to rank and number, overall nearly very fine (2)

Robert Lindsay was born at Inveresk, Edinburgh in 1859 and enlisted with the 74th Foot at Edinburgh on 27 October 1871. It was with this unit that he served in the Mediterranean from February 1872, being promoted Corporal in July 1874 and Sergeant on 1 October 1876, leaving in December 1876. The Battalion was later transferred to Hong Kong and afterwards Singapore and Penang where he was reduced to Private. Returning to the rank of Sergeant in June 1881 he was serving in that rank on the outbreak of the Anglo-Egyptian War in 1882.

The Highland Light Infantry joined the Highland Brigade on the night march to Tel-el-Kebir where the British Army took the Egyptians by surprise. The Highland Light Infantry were stationed on the far left of the Brigade when they advanced against the Egyptian earthworks. Unfortunately their section was defended by a deep ditch which caused the initial attack to stall. The Battalion reformed and stormed the position again, this time carrying it at bayonet point and driving the Egyptian right towards the canal.

They suffered the worst casualties of any British unit on the field with 85 casualties out of 339 for the day. Lindsay must have performed sterling work as he was advanced Colour-Sergeant the day after the battle on 14 September. Continuing to serve with the unit he was appointed Quartermaster-Sergeant in February 1884 and was posted to India from October 1884-November 1892 being discharged on 12 November; sold together with copied serving papers.

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Sold for
£260

Starting price
£110