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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 216

The incredibly rare Egypt Campaign pair to Sergeant P. Spiteri, Royal Malta Fencible Artillery, who was nominated by his C.O. to serve as superintendent of the Maltese Transport Drivers in Suakin

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (632. Sergt. P. Spiteri. Rl. M. F. Arty.); Khedive's Star, undated, contact wear and pitting from Star, some wear to naming at 3 and 9 o'clock but still legible, otherwise very fine (2)

Paolo Spiteri was born circa 1855 in Malta at St. Pubblio, Floriana. He worked as a labourer before joining the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery at Valletta on 24 January 1872, when he was 17 years old. Spiteri was promoted Bombardier from Gunner in June 1873, just months after joining, and was advanced Corporal in July 1875. He gained the rank of Sergeant in August 1878. It is noted that he was tried by Court Martial shortly after his promotion, the details of which are not recorded, though he was likely found not guilty of the allegations as he retained his rank. Having served all this time in Malta, Spiteri was married to his wife Giuseppa Pirotta on 29 June 1879 in Valletta.

Spiteri reengaged for service in February 1884 and volunteered to serve in the Egyptian Campaign at Suakin where he was posted from 8 March through 9 June 1885. It was this brief period of service in Egypt that earned him this medal pair, and during which time he acted as one of just two Maltese superintendents of the Maltese Transport Drivers in Egypt.

His participation in Egypt arose from a request by Commissary-General Blacker for two 'superintendents' to oversee a Maltese contingent of the Maltese Transport Drivers which were about to be sent overseas to join the British forces at Suakin. Commanding Officer Michael Portelli nominated Spiteri, along with Corporal Filippo Catania, both of whom volunteered to serve in Suakin. Thus, Spiteri is one of only four members of the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery to receive the Egypt and Sudan medal with a clasp for Suakin, as the remainder were named to the Malta Auxiliary Transport.

Following his brief period of service in Egypt, Spiteri returned to Malta where he served for the remainder of his period of service. In January 1893 he extended his period of service, and later Spiteri was discharged on 31 January 1902 after having served for a total of 30 years and 6 days.

Spiteri is confirmed on the roll with entitlement to this medal and clasp and is further entitled to a L.S. & G.C; sold together with a folder of copied research, including information on the Maltese Regiments in the Egypt Campaign, and Spiteri's service record.

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Estimate
£400 to £600

Starting price
£320