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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 98

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, El-Teb_Tamaai (3925, Lce. Corpl. C. Davis, 3/K.R.Rif:C.), light contact wear overall, very fine

Charles Davis was born at St. Marys, near Southampton in January 1857 and enlisted in the 60th Foot on 15 May 1879. Posted to Egypt on 24 May 1883 he transferred to the 3rd Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps the next month. This formation was soon posted to Sudan, disembarking at Trinkitat on 21 February 1883, where they joined General Graham's expedition.

This column took part in the Battle of El-Teb on 29 February, advancing against the Dervishes in a single square formation and halting their charge with steady volley fire. The King's Royal Rifle Corps were at the rear of the column during this action.

Advancing on towards the Mahdist base at Tamaai Graham engaged them there on 13 March, this time advancing in two columns. Here a Dervish charge combined with some confused manoeuvring from the British caused the square under General Davis to break. The K.R.R.C. were with this unit, again facing away from the enemy and they found themselves attacked from the rear as Dervish warriors made it into the formation.

Fortunately steady fire from the other square as well as M/1 Battery and the cavalry brigade halted the attackers long enough for Davis to reform. The Battalion saw losses of 5 wounded during the action, Davis was fortunately amongst the uninjured. Unfortunately, the British Government did not wish to commit further to Sudan and as such the Battalion left with the rest of the expedition on 11 April 1884.

Davis remained in service, being advanced Corporal in July 1884 and joining the unit in Cyprus in September. He remained there for a year before being transferred to the Army Reserve in October 1885, he was finally discharged on 14 May 1891; sold together with copied service papers and medal rolls.

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Sold for
£150

Starting price
£100