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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 93

Three: Lieutenant-Colonel E. Burrell. Shropshire Light Infantry, attached Commissariat and Transport Service, who was 'mentioned' during the Second Afghan War, later attached to the Egyptian Army he served as Deputy Assistant Commissary General in Egypt seeing action at Tel-El-Kebir

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (Capt: & D.A.C. Genl. E. Burrell. C&T.S.); Khedive's Star 1882, unnamed as issued; Turkey, Ottoman, Order of the Medjidieh, 3rd Class neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, light contact wear to first, overall very fine (3)

Edward Burrell was born at Tiruchirappalli, India on 14 December 1847, the son of William and Adelaide Burrell, his father worked as a Surgeon in Madras. He was educated at Cheltenham College, while his family lived at the nearby 1 Paragon Buildings, which housed many parents whose children attended the boys college.

Commissioned Ensign on 4 December 1866 with the 84th Foot, his service papers list fluency in French and Hindustani, although it is possible the latter was a late addition to his skills. Transferred to the 85th Regiment of Foot on 6 March 1867, he was posted to India the next year on 30 January 1868. Whilst out there Burrell was appointed Regimental Interpreter from 16 July 1868 until 10 April 1870, suggesting that he was fluent in Hindustani by that point. Advanced Lieutenant on 28 October 1871 he was again appointed Regimental Interpreter from 27 March 1872 to 4 May 1878.

During the Anglo-Afghan War Burrell was appointed as Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General with the Koorum Division (Medal) from 15 October 1879. He was present under the command of Brigadier-General J. A. Tytler V.C. for the Zaimusht Expedition intended to prevent the Zaimusht tribe from interfering with the supply chain through the Kurrum valley. The expedition culminated in the storming of the fortified ridge of Zawa where the tribe made their stand, Burrell was 'mentioned' for his services on the expedition (London Gazette 20 December 1879 refers). During that time, he was again serving as a Regimental Interpreter.

After the end of the war Burrell was posted to Natal on 9 March 1881 and promoted Captain there on 1 March 1882. Posted from there to join General Wolseley's Army he served as Deputy Assistant Commissary General with the Supply and Commissariat Service. In this role Burrell served at the Battle of Tel-El-Kebir, his role will have been key to the success of the incredibly fast paced and successful British campaign.

Advanced Major on 13 October 1886 he joined the Reserve of Officers and served with them during the Anglo-Boer War (Medal). After the end of the war he was listed as a Lieutenant Colonel with the Reserve of Officers. Burrell died in the summer of 1934; sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£400