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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 94

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Tamaai (J. Feltham, Corpl. R.M.A.), pitting, edge bruise, very fine

Provenance:
Spink May 2003.

James Feltham was born at Backwell, Somerset in March 1858 and enlisted at Hull on 30 March 1876, listing his previous occupation as Ship's Steward. Posted to the Royal Marine Artillery as a Gunner in August 1876 he saw service afloat with Defence and Audacious, being advanced Bombardier with the latter on 16 April. Further advanced Corporal with Daring on 21 August 1882 he was present in Hong Kong in later 1883, spending time in the Royal Naval Hospital there.

Posted to Orontes in December 1883 Feltham was one of the men ordered to the Royal Marine Battalion formed by H.M.S. Euryalus to support General Graham's column at Suakin. He was present with them during the Battle of Tamaai when the Royal Marines were part of the rear facing rank of General Davis' square. This formation famously broke during the Battle when a gap opened and Dervish warriors poured in, it was only thanks to the arrival of General Buller's square and the cavalry that Davis' formation was able to reform.

The Marines suffered heavily in the fighting as the Dervishes had struck them in the rear and they couldn't properly target their enemy for fear of hitting their own men in the melee. They had losses of 3 killed and 15 wounded, fortunately for Feltham he was not amongst them.

He remained with the Marines, being advanced Sergeant with H.M.S. Jumna in 1884 and Colour Sergeant in November 1890. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. in 1891 Feltham suffered a major setback when he was reduced to Gunner and deprived of his long service award for going absent without leave from Neptune for fifteen hours. He was discharged just ten days later; sold together with copied service papers.

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Sold for
£200

Starting price
£200