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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 119

Khedive's Star 1884-6 (866 Berks), minor contact wear, very fine

Dolphin Smith was born at Lambourn, Berkshire in January 1864, the son of Francis and Elizabeth Smith of North Heath, Winterbourne, Berkshire. Enlisting on 23 August 1883 he noted that he was previously a member of the 3rd Berkshire Militia. Posted to the 2nd Battalion Berkshire Regiment he joined them on 26 September 1884 as they embarked for Egypt.

Making their way from Cairo to Suakin the Battalion was present for the action at Hashin before playing a major role in the Battle of Tofrek. After the end of the Suakin Expedition the Battalion returned briefly to Cairo before being ordered to Wadi Halfa as part of the British force guarding the Egyptian frontier in the wake of the failed Gordon relief expedition.

Here they fought the Battle of Ginnis, the last confirmed time that British troops wore red coats to battle. The action effectively ended the Mahdist threat to Egypt, at least in the short term, and soon after the Berkshire Regiment moved North to Ramileh and from there Malta. Smith was to serve there for five years before returning Home on 6 April 1891 and transferring to the Army Reserve some four days later. After four years of service with the Reserve he was discharged; sold together with copied research comprising census data and service papers.

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Sold for
£75

Starting price
£30