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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 400

Pair: Private G. Ash, Berkshire Regiment

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 2 clasps, Suakin 1885, Tofrek (178, Pte. G. Ash, 1/Berks: R:); Khedive's Star 1884-6 (Berks 178), minor pitting, very fine (2)

George Ash enlisted with the 2nd Battalion, Berkshire Regiment at Gosport on 12 January 1882 and transferred to the 1st Battalion on 4 May 1883. The unit arrived at Suakin in January 1885 to take part in General Graham's expedition to clear the Mahdist forces between the Red Sea and the Nile.

Intending to advance on Tamaai, Graham sent a column under General McNeill to establish a supply base at Tofrek, there they came under attack by a strong Dervish Army. The British began to construct a zariba fence, and half of the Battalion was ordered to occupy the south-western section. The rest were further north and east of the zariba outside the defences when suddenly a patrol of lancers came in reporting a large enemy force on their heels.

On cue a large Dervish force attacked from the desert and stampeded the transport animals grazing outside the zariba. In the confusion a number of them managed to overwhelm the defenders of the south-western redoubt, slaughtering the sailors manning the Gardiner guns. The men of the Berkshires withdrew to the north wall of the redoubt and opened fire, throwing the attackers back in confusion. To the East the other half of the Battalion formed a square and opened fire, halting the attackers as they attempted to push north. Unable to exploit their advantage the Dervishes were forced to withdraw.

Ash joined the Battalion at Wadi Halfa after the Battle and was still present there when in December a Dervish force attempted to bypass the British army there and enter Egypt. The British sallied out to engage the enemy at Ginnis. The Mahdists had occupied the town of Ginnis and constructed a camp on a hill nearby and as such the British formed into two Brigades. The Berkshires were with the first Brigade and had the job of taking the Dervish camp which they did handle, suffering losses of 3 killed and 16 wounded.

Notably many of the British troops at the action, with the exception of the Durham Light Infantry were wearing their red coats, the last time it is confirmed that a British unit did so in action. After the Battle Ash joined half of the Battalion at Malta, arriving in May 1886 and receiving his medal there three months later. Advanced Corporal whilst there on 10 August 1887 he was still serving there with 'G' Company on the May 1889 Muster roll; sold together with handwritten research.

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Sold for
£320

Starting price
£140