Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 406

Pair: 2nd Corporal F. W. Masters, 12th Company, Commissariat & Transport Corps

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 2 clasps, Suakin 1885, Tofrek (5541. Pte. F. Masters. 12th Co. C.T.C.); Khedive's Star 1884, unnamed as issued, good very fine (2)

One of 90 Commissariat & Transport Corps men at Tofrek of which 62 were from the 12th Company.

Frederick William Masters was born at Cranbrook, Kent in 1856 and attested with the 1st Battalion, East Kent Regiment on 13 October 1881. Transferring to the Commissariat & Transport Corps three years later in August 1884 he joined the 12th Company as it sailed to Suakin on 17 February 1995. Here they formed part of General Graham's baggage train, comprised of 5 companies of the Commissariat & Transport Corps with their own unit numbering 104 men.

This company were present with General McNeill's column at Tofrek on in March 1885 when they were surprised by a large Dervish force. The baggage column was to the south of the British zariba and directly in the course of the Dervish advance. A charge scattered the pack animals and their handlers with Mahdist warriors carried along in their wake the whole mass broke into the British defences, fouling the lines of fire and breaking a Regiment of Indian troops to their front.

It was only thanks to the prompt and steady actions of the Berkshire Regiment and Royal Marines that the Dervishes were halted. Naturally the unarmed men of the Commissariat & Transport Corps suffered heavy losses with 11 dead and 1 wounded, of the dead 6 were from Masters' own 12th Company. He must have performed well in the action as he was appointed Lance Corporal less than two months later on 1 May 1885.

Leaving Egypt in June 1885 he arrived back in Britian with enteric fever and was hospitalised at Netley until October of that year. Joining the Army Reserve in June 1886 he gave his address as King William Inn, Ringwood, Dover, later changing it to Station Road, Walmer. Masters was finally discharged on 12 October 1893; sold together with copied research comprising medal roll, service papers and an extract from The Army Service Corps Journal entitled Suakin 1885.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£380

Starting price
£130