Vanuatu Blue

Hi Owain, thanks for the congrats, I am vey happy and got it at a very good price also. Yes would be nice to get an Military Star of King Fouad, especially in a group. Cheers Brian.

Well almost five years later have at last got an example of this medal for my collection phew !!! that took a while, but very happy ATB Brian.

SUDAN DEFENCE FORCE GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL, The Sudan Defence Force General Service Medal was instituted on 4 November 1933, for award to personnel of the Sudan Defence Force (SDF) and Police, on the recommendation of the Kaid El’Amm for service in the field on minor campaigns in the Sudan, post 1933. A silver medal, the obverse bearing the cypher of the Governor General of the Sudan, and reverse, a stationary group of typical Sudanese soldiers, and below them, “The Sudan” in Arabic. The ribbon is a royal blue central stripe, edged by two yellow, then two black stripes. No clasps were to be awarded. (The medal was also awarded for action against Italian forces in certain areas of the Sudan from June 1940 to November 1941). (8950 Medals struck by the Royal Mint). Another link with info on the 1933 series of medals: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/45943-sudan-governor-generals-service-medals/?hl=%2Bsudan+%2Bgovernor+%2Bgeneral Cheers, Brian

Nice one Paul, great story

Harry, Mark and Mackinlay, Further to all of the above, have done a little homework, here is what I have found !!! Very interesting !!! Recommendations Yuzbashi Bilal Effendi Rizk, Western Arab Corps Who after Mr McNeill and Captain Chown had been killed by his pluck, resource and leadership averted what would have been a great disaster and retrieved the position. His march from Fasher to Nyala a distance of 120 miles in under 50 hours is alone worthy of recognition. I recommend Yuzbashi Bilal Effeb=ndi Rizk for the Distinguised Service order. Mulizam Awal Hassan Effendi Mohamed Zein, Native District Officer. Who rendered the greatest assistance to Mr McNeill in the earlier stages of the fight and after the death of the later, so gallantly supported Yuzbashi Bilal Effendi Rizk in the counter attack. He displayed the greatest courage throughout and by his fine example to his Police encouraged them to emulate dogged spirit of the troops. I recommend him for the Distinguised Service Order. Mulizam Awal Saad Omar, Western Arab Corps. Who was in command of the detached post in the market and though attacked by a party of rebel Arabs who were bent on looting the shops kept his men well in hand and carried out the roll assigned to him in a most praiseworthy manner. Had it not been for his coolness and good judgment in the early stages of the fight, in keeping his small force intact, it would not have been possible for Yuzbashi Bilal Effendi Rizk to launch his successful counter attack which was such an outstanding feature of the engagement. He afterwards showed great coolness in the final defence of the Fort. I recommend him for the Military Cross. Letter from High Commissioner Residency Cairo, 15th March 1922. Sir, with reference to Sir Lee Stack's Despatch No. MS/B14/185 of 30th November last transmitting certain decorations and awards in connection with the Nyala rising in September last, I have the honour to inform you that a telegram has been received from the Foreign office stating that H.M. The King has been pleased to approve the awards proposed in the case of three Egyptian Officers mentioned Viz: DSO El Yuzbashi Belal Effendi Rizk El Mulizam Awal Hassan Effendi Mohamed Zein MC El Mulazim Awal Saad Effendi Omar Etc Etc Your Obedient Servent. High Commissioner Cairo, Egypt. and further Letter from the Foreign office S.W.1 April 26th 1922 to The Governor General Sudan. Sir with reference to my despatch No 282 of the 15th ultimo, I transmit to you herewith two badges of the Distinguished Service Order which the King has been graciously pleased to confer upon Yuzbashi Bilal Effendi Rizk and Mulizam Awal Hassan Effendi Mohamed Zein together with the Military Cross awarded to Mulazim Awal Saad Omar. In accordance with His Majesty's commands, I request that you will take such steps as you may consider proper to ensure the delivery of these of these decorations to the officers respectively concerned. His majesty desires that they should, if possible, be personally delivered not by way of investiture but in an Official and ceremonial manner. Letter from headquarters Khartoum to High Commissioner Egypt. dated 4th June 1922 I beg to acknowledge receipt of your despatch No 161,M (13795/45) dated 27th ultimo, together with the two badges of the Distinguished Service Order and also Military Cross therewith. These Decorations are being forwarded to the Officer Commanding Darfur District where the officers in question are at present serving with full instructions to the presentation of same.

Well done Will, a very nice medal, another one I am still missing. Regards, Brian.

Will, see earlier post on the subject, Regards, Brian. http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/46479-egyptian-army-bravery-medal/?hl=sudan

Thanks Owain, am very pleased to have them. For anyone interested, below is a description of the service for the award of the three medals. Nyam Nyam (1 January – 31 May 1905). In the autumn of 1903, a small escort conveying a number of presents for Sultan Yambio, the paramount Chief of the Nyam Nyam tribe, left Rumbek under the command of the late Captain Armstrong (Lancashire Fusiliers) for the purpose of entering into personal negotiations with the chieftain, and of course hoisting the British and Egyptian flags in this portion of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan which hitherto had not been effectively reoccupied for administrative purposes by the Sudan Government. As the correspondence which had previously taken place between Sultan Yambio and the Sudan Government had been of so friendly a nature, the party was organized more on the lines of an embassy than of a fighting force. Unfortunately, a few marches from Rumbek, Captain Armstrong was gored to death by an elephant, and the party had to proceed under the command of Colour-Sergeant Boardman (Liverpool Regiment). On entering Nyam Nyam territory the attitude of the natives was noticed to be hostile, and as the party penetrated further its march was dogged by armed bands whose numbers daily increased, a general attack being only averted by the determined attitude of the little force. Seeing the futility of attempting to carry out his instructions in face of this ever-increasing opposition, Colour-Sergeant Boardman (later to be awarded the D.C.M. for his services) skilfully withdrew his force by night and by covering 120 miles in four days managed to shake himself clear of the pursuing Nyam Nyams with slight casualties, but with the loss of the transport animals and baggage, including the presents for Yambio. Following this reverse, in February 1904, a patrol of 100 men, with two Maxim machine-guns, under Captain Wood (Royal Irish Fusiliers), with Lieutenant Haymes as Principal Medical and Staff Officer, was sent in an attempt to re-open negotiations with Yambio, and set out for the village of Rikta, Yambio’s son. The patrol reached Mimmobolo on 1 February, but received a somewhat unexpected check on reaching Rikta’s about 70 miles further south, or 142 miles south of Tonj, on 7 February. No villages or inhabitants were met until reaching the first Nyam Nyam village (Sheikh Toin’s), 20 miles north of Rikta’s. Sheikh Toin was apparently friendly, but professed ignorance of the intentions and movements of Rikta, who sent Wood Bey on entering his district two almost valueless presents of very inferior ivory. These were refused. As the patrol approached Rikta’s village gunfire was suddenly opened up on them at a few yards range and almost simultaneously a number of spear and bowmen lying concealed in the Khor, charged the government troops. The result was hand-to-hand melee, from which the Nyam Nyam rapidly withdrew into the high grass with which the surrounding country was covered. The Maxims were quickly brought into action, and cleared the enemy from the high grass which was as soon as possible burnt. Bimbashi Haymes had received a dangerous gunshot wound in the head and one man of the XV Sudanese had been killed, whilst nine others were wounded, mostly by spears and arrows. The Nyam Nyam, who are said to have numbered about 50, left behind six dead. Meanwhile after the two previous attempts at friendly overtures to Yambio had failed, it was clear that peaceful negotiations were out of the question, so it was decided to dispatch an expeditionary force in January 1905 to suitably impress the Nyam Nyam (Azande) with a show of force and permanently establish the authority of the Sudan Government in this area of the Bahr-el-Ghazal. The force, which was placed under the command of Major W. A. Boulnois (Royal Artillery), Commandant and Governor of the Bahr-el-Ghazal Province, was organized in two columns. A Western Column, under Captain A. B. Bethell, Royal Artillery with 11 British officers and nearly 700 infantry and 4 Maxims, and an Eastern Column, under Captain A. Sutherland, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, with three British officers and about 150 men. The Eastern Column was ordered to advance from Rumbek via Mvolo into the eastern portion of the Nyam Nyam territory, engage the attention of Mangi, the most powerful son of Yambio, and by enforcing his submission, prevent him coming to the assistance of his father; whilst the Western Column, under the immediate command of Major Boulnois, advanced viâ Tambura and N'Doruma directly against Yambio himself. The Column was concentrated at Mvolo by 1 January, on which date it began its advance towards Mangi's. The Western Column completed its concentration at N'Doruma's, 255 miles south of Wau, in the third week in January, and began its advance to Yambio's on the 26th of that month. The Eastern Column marched southward along the Rhol River, mostly through uninhabited country. On 12 February the column crossed the Meridi River and proceeded westward to Mangi's village, where it effected a junction with the Western Column on the 25th. There was practically no serious opposition on the part of the Nyam Nyams to the advance of this column, which was attributable undoubtedly to the presence of the Congo Free State forces in their midst and to a heavy defeat which these forces had inflicted on them when attacking one of their posts a short time before. The Western Column reached Zugumbia on 30 January, where the sick and most of the transport and baggage were left under a guard, and advanced on 2 February with eight days' rations. On 3 February the mounted infantry scouts located an ambush of the enemy, who retired after a short skirmish. On 6 February a large force of Nyam Nyams was found massed to oppose the column, but retired on its determined advance on the 7th. Yambio's village was occupied, with Yambio fleeing into the bush. On the 8th a column under the late Lieutenant Fell (late R.N.) advanced, located Yambio himself, and dispersed his force again after a slight skirmish. That evening three columns went out to effect the capture of the Sultan, which was successfully accomplished by Major Carter's column, Yambio receiving a mortal wound in the skirmish, of which he died that night. By Yambio's death the country was relieved of a barbarous and cruel despotism which had pressed heavily on the people for many years. It was, therefore, hailed with satisfaction, as was evidenced by the numbers who, in a short time, came in gladly to Government and further resistance ended. Atwot (9 February - 4 April 1910). Early in 1902, Atwot Dinka irregulars of the Bahr-el-Ghazal Province had assisted the government forces in the suppression of the Agar Dinka uprising, and as a result were considered to be a fairly loyal bunch. Being in the very early days of the condominium administration, it was not fully realised at the time that this Atwot assistance’ was not so much out of loyalty to the new government, but more out of an opportunity to enrich themselves with Agar cattle, an age old tradition in the southern Sudan. Unfortunately for the Atwot, by 1907 they were under the rule of a rather eccentric old Chief, named Awo, who ordered his people not to pay herd tax, and to stop clearing the mail roads of vegetation - a task which was counted as part of their overall taxation. Awo also ordered his Atwot to kill all government mail carriers passing through the region. As soon as they heard of what was going on, the government quickly despatched a military patrol to sort things out, but as the old chief suddenly died, the unrest fizzled out without any serious action and the patrol returned to base. Subsequently the government imposed a fine of cattle on the miscreant Dinka, equal to the cost of sending the patrol, and things went quiet for a time. This fine, however, continued to rankle in the minds of some of the young Atwot hotheads, a perceived indignity which was stirred up into open defiance some two years later, by another chief named Ashwol. In 1909 the government demand for the road clearing to continue was again met by outright refusal, so troops were sent, and Ashwol arrested for fermenting rebellion. On their way back to Wau with their prisoner, the patrol was ambushed by the Loitch clan of the Atwot Dinka, and three soldiers were killed, as were six of the attackers, and Ashwol escaped. The chief, by now somewhat of a hero, called on all the Dinka tribes to rise in rebellion, and throw off the yoke of foreign government. Encouraged and emboldened by the seditious preaching of Ashwol’s brother Dar, and by Ashwol’s own groups of travelling Dinka ‘magicians’ (also known as witch doctors), who prophesied the early demise of the government, virtually the whole of the Dinka nation rose in rebellion. In an attempt to find a peaceful solution, the Government Inspector in the Bahr-el-Ghazal Province, Kaimakam H. R. Headlam, made approaches to the rebels but his advances were rebuffed by the Chief and the rebellion spread. Before long police patrols were being attacked, and rest houses destroyed. Headlam, far too short of resources to take action on his own, was forced to ask Khartoum for help. A small patrol comprising of 160 officers and men was assembled in Khartoum, and left for Wau on 16 January 1910. On arrival it was re-enforced by the 150 or so troops already stationed there. This combined force was under the command of El Kaimakam W. J. St. J. Harvey Bey, of the Black Watch. In February, the patrol swept through the Atwot country, which was about 2,400 square miles in area, fighting a few minor skirmishes here and there, and confiscating large quantities of cattle. Harvey also took over 100 warriors prisoner. Most of the operations centred on the country around Gnopp, southeast of Rumbek, between Yirrol and Amadi. In early March the revolt gradually petered out and in April, chief Ashwol himself finally surrendered. The chief was put under house arrest in Khartoum, and the government replaced him with a wealthy Dinka by the name of Diu. This imposed leader, having no personally earned authority, was duly ignored by the Dinka. When Diu was unable to get ‘his’ people back to clearing the roads and providing carriers for the government, he was himself replaced in 1913 by none other than the wily Ashwol who, while incarcerated under house arrest in Khartoum, managed to persuade the government that his newly discovered loyalty to the administration was really genuine. An uneasy sort of peace descended over the Bahr-el-Ghazal province. However, over the years Ashwol’s stature, which had been bolstered and strengthened by his leadership of the rebellion and subsequent imprisonment in Khartoum, slowly declined in the light of his new found loyalty to the government. The young Dinka warriors, to whom raiding, fighting and cattle rustling were a manly way of life could not be restrained for long, and in 1917, by now under the sway of more influential leaders, they again rose in rebellion, this time with far more devastating effects. East Africa 1915 (4 February-28 May 1915). Two medals with this clasp awarded to British officers of the Egyptian Army and 133 Native Soldiers of the 9th Sudanese Battalion, Egyptian Army. With the embodiment of the Sudan Defence Force in 1925, ‘Darfur 1921’ was the last clasp to be issued for the Khedives Sudan 1910 Medal, and the last Medal to be issued to British military personnel for service in the Sudan, although they could still be awarded the Order of the Nile when appropriate. Sudanese Regiments of the Egyptian Army were only used outside of the Sudan on two occasions, both of them against the Turkhana tribes on the Uganda and British East Africa borders. At the request of the Governor of Uganda, a company and a half of the IXth Sudanese were sent to Madial, Morongole and Kitgum to protect the northern frontier of Uganda from raiding Dodinga tribesmen. These troops left Mongalla on 21 September 1914. A detachment consisting of two British officers, Bimbashi (Major) D. A. Fairbairn and H. F. C. Hobbs, both of the West Riding Regiment, along with two Egyptian officers, Yuzbashi (Captain) Sherif and Mulazim Awal (Lieutenant) Hafez, with 67 N.C.O.’s and men. They assisted in military operations against the Turkhana raiders commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. F. S. Edwards, D.S.O., of the Kings African Rifles, undertaken along the shores of Lake Rudolf during April and May 1915. The Uganda force consisted of 491 officers and men, including the elements of the IXth Sudanese Infantry under the command of Fairbairn. As is often the case in this type of operation, a great deal of trekking, but little actual fighting was done. At the conclusion of the Turkhana operations, one company of the IXth Sudanese under Bimbashi Hobbs was left as a garrison at Madial, with Bimbashi Fairbairn and the remaining troops returned to the Sudan. The valuable services performed by this Sudanese detachment was cordially acknowledged by the Government of Uganda.

Owain, You are absolutely right "Very Expensive" but will you ever see another one like it, I don’t think so !, with only 133 AGS medals with the clasp East Africa 1915 being awarded to the 9th Sudanese, plus the confirmed 1896 with clasp Nyam Nyam and confirmed Mentioned in Despatches 1910 medal clasp Atwot, it wont get any better than that. Oh well Owain, I had to have it so he is now residing in my collection, good news is, have, already had an, if you ever sell I want it message. Paul, yes as you eloquently put it, very rare group. Best Regards, Brian.

This very rare Anglo-Egyptian Army, Sergeant's, trio of medals recently sold at auction in London, I have never seen another confirmed group like it in 30 odd years, also MID for Atwot operations. Comments welcome, Regards, Brian. Shawish, (Sergeant) Abu Bakr Isa Agha, 9th Sudanese Battalion, Egyptian Army. Awards. Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, East Africa 1915, named, (3245 Shawish Abu Bakr Isa Agha, 9 Sud. R.). Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Nyam-Nyam, edge named in Arabic Script, 3245. Khedive’s Sudan 1910-22, 1st issue, 1 clasp, Atwot, unnamed as issued. Nyam Nyam operations, 1st January to 31st May 1905. Atwot operations, 9th February to 4th April 1910. East Africa operations, 4th February to 28th May 1915. Public Records Office. File WO100/407 Operations against the Atwot Tribe. SPECIAL ARMY ORDER. (Effectively a Mention in Despatches). Headquarters Khartoum 21st June 1910. The Acting Sirdar publishes to the Army, the following list of Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men whose names have been brought to the notice of His Highness the Khedive for their good services in connection with recent operations against the Atwot Tribe, Bahr-el-Ghazal. 9th Sudanese El Yusbashi, Mohamed Effendi Abdulla. El Mulazim Awal, Mabruk Effendi khelil Obeid. El Mulazim Tani, Hassan Effendi Mohammed. No. 1923. Bash, Bash Shawish Mohammed Nur. No. 2601. Shawish Ebd El Farrag Mohammed. No. 2635. Shawish Sumit Mohammed Ali. No. 2376. Shawish Abd El Rezak Ali. No. 2265. Shawish Ali Bekhit. No. 3245. Onbashi Abu Bakr Isa Agar. No. 3240. Onbashi Fadl El Mula Kheir El Sid. No. 2871. Onbashi Bekit Walad El Mek. No. 2785. Onbashi Fadl El Mula Muma. No. 3128. Onbashi Mirsal Hassan. No. 3216. Nafar Ebd El Rahman Ahmed. No. 3145. Nafar Abd El Radi Fadlalla. No. 3336. Nafar Abd El Sid Ahmed. By Order, (Signed) C. R. G. Mayne, Kaimakam, Assistant Adjutant-General For, Adjutant-General

Owain, Many thanks for the information on the Military Star of Sultan Fouad, What a great looking medal, such a shame it has been taken away from the group. Regards, Brian

Hi Owain, Just been browsing the forum and came across this Gem, any idea what the missing medal is ? Wonder if the trio is a researchable name ! Regards, Brian.

Owain, At this point in time i would have to agree with your assumption on the naming of these medals but as you say assumptions are never wise, for sure a topic that needs be looked into further when time permits. Best Regards, Brian.

Owain, Is it not always the way, when something nice comes up funds are hard to find, happens to me far to often, what a great group that was that you missed, would just love to have one in my collection, closest I have is the group below, "Note his 1914-15 Star is named in full but the War & Victory only has rank and unit" (Also not mounted in the Egyptian order of wear but on a very old mount as worn) I have posted it up elsewhere on the forum but showing again as it fits in this thread. Now just need to find one with a Sudan 1910 medal in it. !!!! Kaimakam, Yusef Effendi Dervish, OBE. A Medical Officer of the Egyptian Army Medical Corps. Awards. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type Officer’s (O.B.E.) Civil Division breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919. 1914-15 Star (Yuz. Yusef Eff. Dervish, Med. Corps S.G.). British War Medal (Yuzbashi, Med. Corps E.A.). Victory Medal (Yuzbashi, Med. Corps E.A.). Egypt, Order of the Nile, 5th Class breast badge, silver, silver-gilt and enamel. Ottoman Empire, Order of Medjidie, 5th Class breast badge, silver, gold and enamel, mounted court style for display, Commissioned into the Sudan Government Medical Services on 6th April 1911. April 1920, Medical Officer (El Yuzbashi) at Yei. April 1923, Medical Officer (El Bimbashi) at Kajo Kaji on sleeping sickness duty. April 1924, Medical Officer (El Bimbashi) at Tembura. January 1926 till December 1932, Medical Officer (El Bimbashi) (OBE) at Yei, on sleeping sickness duty. July 1931 promoted to (Kaimakam) Lieutenant Colonel. 8th December 1932, Retiring, (El Kaimakam) (OBE) at Source Yubo. WO 329 / 2956 Medical Corps Sudan Government “Yuz Yusef Eff Dervish (3) roll dated 23rd December 1918. Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire 5th June 1926. Decoration and warrant sent to the Foreign Office on 15th July 1926. O.B.E. Sudan Government Gazette No. 482, 15 November 1926. ‘The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointment to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services rendered in the Sudan’ To be Honorary Officer of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order. ‘El Bimbashi Yusef Effendi Dervish, Medical Officer, Yei.’ District HQ Equatoria Province. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star trio as a Yuzbashi (Captain) in the Medical Corps of the Government of Sudan/Egyptian Army. Regards, Brian.

Hi Owain, Nice to know you were able to reconstitute the trio to the Egyptian Army Medical Corps and named as well an even better bonus. As you mention most of the Egyptian Army pairs and trios were just named with the Regimantal number E.A. or Battalion number and E.A but there are some examples out there with researchable naming as yours. here is an example of a trio once in my collection but sadly now gone to a Veterinary Corps Collector. As for the Officer in the photo, one would hope the medals were named in a researchable way i.e. with his name on them as in the trio below. Mulazim Awal (1st Lieutenant), Ibrahim 'Effendi' Kadri. Veterinary Corps, Egyptian Army. Mulazim Awal, is an Egyptian officer rank that translated means a First Lieutenant. Awards. 1914-15 Star, named, (Mul: Awal: I. Kadry). British War Medal (Mul. Awal. I. EFF. Kadri). Interallied Victory Medal & M.I.D. Oakleaves (Mul. Awal. I. EFF. Kadri). Ibrahim 'Effendi' Kadri's British awards are all confirmed at the National Archives at Kew, London. vide the respective MIC's for him in file series WO 772/24 (for the MID, where he is shown as an Egyptian Government Official) and WO 372/11 (for the 1914-15 Trio, where his unit is shown as being the (Veterinary Corps, Egyptian Army). A preliminary search of the MIC's using 'Egyptian' in the search critera returns 3,491 'hits'. While many of those returned are British and other European's in the Egyptian Services, the majority appear to be to indiginous Egyptians, and covering all arms of services including Cavalry, Infantry, Artillery, Government Officials and Support Arms Kadri's Mention-In-Despatches was published in the Supplement to the London Gazette dated 6/7/1917. His name appears under the list of 'Egyptian Government Officers, as Veterinary Corps, Egyptian Army Ibrahim Effendi Kadri, 2nd Lt (Mulazim Tani) (Ministry of Agriculture). The award was one recommended in the despatch of General Murray, Commander-In-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, in respect of of 'Gallant or Distinguished Conduct in the field, or for other Valuable Services - during the period 1/10/1916 - 28/2/1917. Regards, Brian.

Have posted here a recent purchase and a cracking photo of a Brig / Major General of the Anglo-Egyptian Army. I would just love to have a similer group to add to my collection ! Hoping a member of the forum can shed some light on him his uniform and never say never even his name !!! A very good friend had a few comments observations on him noted below. The aiguilettes worn on the left side in the British Army indicate that the person is a member of the Headquarters Staff, the General Staff or Personal Staff to a Governor-General. His sword is the Mameluke pattern as worn by general officers throughout the British Empire. The sword knot is correct for a general officer, as are the gold lace on crimson leather sword slings. They are what are known as Line Infantry Pattern, at least in the British Army, perhaps suggesting that he was not from a Mounted branch like the Cavalry or Artillery? Just a guess. The epaulettes are a little old-fashioned looking, what's known as Box Epaulettes, so I can't offer any information on them. They must just be an old pattern, or indicating that he is actually something like a provincial governor, but then why would he be wearing military rank insignia on his shoulders? Furtherstudy required, as the catalogues say. The medals are court-mounted, which was pretty unusual for anyone but courtiers and very senior officers at this time. They appear to be very well done too! Can you make out any of the clasps on the KSM? I seem to recall that only the Artillery and Mounted Rifles, and a few infantry machine gunners, earned the 1914-15 Star for service along the Suez Canal repelling the Turkish attack in late 1915. Of course, the only Star I have to the Egyptian Army is named to the 2nd Bn. His awards are: Order of the Nile Order of the Osmaniah Khedives Sudan Medal 1896 with 5 clasps Khedives Sudan Medal 1910 with 1 clasp Queens Sudan Medal 1896 1914-15 Star British War medal Victory Medal Many thanks for looking, Brian.

Hi gth94, thanks for the information, I had actually found this site and have seen the documents, now looking for any WWI documents. Regards, Brian.

Harry, "The Fighting Sudanese" what a great little book, have downloaded it to my hard drive. I have been looking for the London Gazette entries myself for the Nyala operations but as yet have had no luck also. Most likely were announced in the "Egyptian Government Gazette" not too sure about the LG. I have here added a little more information on the operations and medals awarded, I will keep looking and when I find will post here also. Regards, Brian. NYALA Operations between 26th September 1921 and 20th January 1922 This clasp comes before that of Darfur 1921 though the period of service for which it was awarded ended much later. In September 1921 Fiki Abdullabi El Suheina proclaimed himself the prophet Isa and obtained a considerable following in Southern Darfur. On the 26th September he attacked the District Headquarters at Nyala with 5000 men , but was driven off and killed, however this did not end the troubles, which lasted for a further four months. This clasp was awarded to 40 Mounted Infantry, 40 Police and a few friendly locals for the defence of Nyala, and also to members of the column under the command of El Bimbashi Grigg Bey, which operated south of Nyala until 20th January 1922. Officers awarded the Clasp NYALA on the Khedives Sudan Medal 1910. • Audas Robert Stamer, Captain, MC, R.A.V.C. • Chown Harry, Captain R.A.V.C. • Colville Robert Alfred, Major, MC, Coldstream Guards & Cameron Highlanders. • Craig Falconer, Lt. Colonel, OBE, MC, 3rd Hussars. • Ellison John Reynolds, Major, R.A.V.C. • Foley Guy Francis, Major, CMG, OBE, MC, R.A. • Going John, Captain, R.A.V.C. (N.O.R.) but marked as awarded in Soldiers of the Nile. • Grigg Stanley Thomas, Lt. Colonel, DSO, MC, West Yorkshire Regiment. • Hammersley Alfred Hastings St George, Major, MC, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. • Hunt William, Lt. Colonel, OBE, MC, R.A.M.C. • Milligan Stanley Lyndall, CMG, DSO, Colonel, Highland Light Infantry. • Richards William Masters, Captain, York & Lancaster Regiment. • Whitmore-Smith Francis Mussenden, Major, MC, Queen’s Bays. • Wilkins Kenneth William, Major, Worcestershire & Devonshire Regiments. • Yockney W E. Major, Wiltshire Regiment. Other Ranks • Wadley G.W. 7578655 Armour Staff Sgt, R.A.O.C. • Barton C. M/14169 Staff Sgt, R.A.S.C. (MT). • Finding W. 315270 Staff Sgt, R.E. Awards London Gazette dates not as yet found Yuzbashi, Billal Effendi Rizq (Distinguished Service Order). Mulazim Awal, Hassan Effendi Mohammed Zein (Distinguished Service Order). Saad Omar (Military Cross)

Hi Mervyn, The term Pasha in the Turkish system is quite convoluted but put simply for use in the Anglo-Egyptian Army, "Pasha" was an honorific given to the ranks of Sirdar, Ferik and Lewa and that of "Bey" was given to the ranks of Miralai and Kaimakam. The below ranks were Turkish in origin and were changed to Arabic equivalents when Egypt became a republic in the 1950's. Few British Officers held a rank below Bimbashi and those that did were all NCO's commissioned whilst serving with the Egyptian Army. Commander-in-Chief = Sirdar Lieutenant General = Ferik Major General = Lewa Brigadier or Colonel = Miralai Lieutenat Colonel = Kaimakam Major = Bimbashi Hope that helps, when I get time tomorrow I will add a little more info. Regards, Brian.

Gentlemen, thank you for your kind comments, as Mervyn says a very distinguished officer, and I have had great enjoyment with this group for a long time now. The only award I have not yet been able to find in the London Gazette is his "Commander of the Order of the Osmanieh" he was awarded the 2nd class Medjidie in 1905 and the first photo of him in this post shows he is wearing both so post 1905, so he was awarded it and before 1905, if anyone is able to find that would be a great help ?. Has anyone also noticed the very non regulation 42nd Highlanders glen badge on his cap, I suppose in his position he could wear what he wanted (or at least not many would have the authority or bottle to tell him to change it ! Last of all the dark arm band on his left arm, I assume identifies him also as the Provost Marshal ? anyway I am glad others have enjoyed a good read, Regards, Brian.

THE ASSASSINATION OF THE EGYPTIAN PRIME-MINISTER AND THE IMPRISONMENT AND EXECUTION OF IBRAHIM NASSIF EL WARDANY Ibrahim el Wardary's crime referred to in the extract was the assassination of the Egyptian Prime-Minister, Boutres Pasha. Egypt, still nominally part of the Turkish Empire, had been ruled de facto by Britain through the British Consul-General in Cairo since 1881. Note that Boutres Pasha was a Copt, a member of the Egyptian Christian minority. Imprisonment Ibrahim Nassif El Wardany was arrested on February 20th on the scene of his crime. During the preliminary inquiry he was confined in an isolated cell in the Mousky Police Station, under a strong guard. On March 3rd he was transferred to the prison of the Appeal Court, where he remained until his execution. Special precautions were adopted. The Governor of the prison was a Copt, and every reliance could be placed upon him. Reliable warders were selected to guard Wardany's cell, and several prison officials, of known nationalist sympathies, were temporarily transferred. In his progress to and from the Court he was guarded by another specially chosen Coptic officer and four European constables. On the 18th of May sentence of death was pronounced. From that date the number of warders was increased. Two extra sentries were posted and, as a further precaution against any possible attempt at rescue, thirty-two non-commissioned officers and men of the Guard Company, with rifles and ball-cartridge, remained on duty throughout the night, stationed in two posts of one non-commissioned officer and fifteen men each, at the only two points of the prison from which rescue could have been attempted. On June 12th, the Court of Cassation rejected Wardany's appeal. From that date, until the end, in addition to the previous guards, a British Head Constable of the Cairo Police was continuously on duty outside the prisoner's cell, being relieved every six hours. The key of his cell was placed under a seal, which could only be broken in the presence of the Governor. Wardany was, from the moment of his arrest, subjected to the ordinary prison discipline. After the sentence of May 18th, he was confined in a cell reserved for persons condemned to death and was kept under constant observation. He was, in accordance with the provisions of the Code, allowed to wear his own clothes until his sentence had become final on June 18th, at which date he donned the prison dress. There were persistent rumours that he was either to take or to be given poison, and every precaution was adopted. His rations and water were specially inspected, and any extra articles of food ordered for him by the doctors were purchased by the Mamur of the prison in person; that officer tasted not only his food but his cough mixtures and other medicines. The medical report on the prisoner shows that he suffered from slight anaemia and was subject to bronchitis. On the night of the rejection of his appeal by the Court of Cassation, he had a violent gastric attack with vomiting, probably due to emotion. His conduct in prison was irreproachable. He made no requests and complaints and remained on good terms with all the prison officials. The only privilege granted to the prisoner was to retain a few books and he spent nearly all his time in reading them. The works in his possession were: The English Constitution, by Walter Bagehot; a French political history of contemporary Europe; J.-J. Rousseau's Control Social; a volume of Arabic poetry and the Koran. During the early part of his imprisonment, before his condemnation, he was found to have engraved some writings in French and Arabic on the binding of one of these books with a tag of his boot-lace. One of these writings consisted of a series of headings for chapters, such as, Book 1, Chapter I: "Apergu du premier Gouvernement"; II "Democratic"; III "Com-munaute"; IV "Elements Sociaux et Politiques." Book 2, Chap-ter I, "Chambre des Deputes"; II "Senat"; III "Prince"; IV "Ministre"; V "Administration"; etc. When questioned on the subject, the prisoner admitted that these were chapters of a work he intended to compose and which was to be called "La Constitution d'un Gouvernement Musulman." On the same book he had engraved, after his condemnation, the following lines in Arabic: Although death is destruction to the body, One like myself will never die; Being free, I shall become henceforth the martyr for my country. Also a "hadice" (quotation from the Prophet) "You will have the Governors that you deserve." Wardany came to be on good terms with Coles Pasha, the Inspector General of Prisons, and Colonel Harvey Pasha, Commandant of the Cairo Police, and he frequently conversed with them. He repeatedly inquired as to the effect of his deed in Egypt and as to whether it would result in good to his country. He said that he did not regret his crime, but was prepared to repeat it as Boutres Pasha had intended to sell his country on the Suez Canal question for £400,000. He maintained that he had com-mitted it entirely of his own accord, without any outside instigation whatsoever, and that he had no accomplices. It was impossible to shake his affirmations on this point. He denied the existence of any secret society for the perpetration of political murders and that any other assassinations were in contemplation. At interviews, the last of which took place on the eve of his execution, with his uncle and mother the latter reproached him for his crime, and he replied that everyone had to die, but that his name would be immortalised. He displayed the greatest interest in his will. His sole property consisted in his pharmacy, which he had established at a cost of £300. The concern was, as you are aware, hopelessly bankrupt and he left nothing but debts. Nevertheless, he nominated, to manage this pharmacy after his death, a committee comprising several of the best-known nationalist leaders. He directed that the profits were to be divided into five parts, and distributed, to a reserve fund, to his mother, to a kindergarten, to a girls' school, and to a scientific mission. This will and his language and attitude throughout his imprisonment tend to provethat he was suffering from a form of megalomania. Execution The fortnight's grace from the final judgment, during which period a pardon might be accorded, expired on June 27th. It had been decided that the execution should take place at the earliest possible date, viz., on the morning of the 28th, but not more than five or six officials were aware of this decision. On the afternoon of June 27th, the necessary document from the Procureur General, to the effect that the period of grace had expired and that the execution might be carried out, was delivered to me at the Ministry of the Interior and I handed it to Harvey Pasha, who had completed all the necessary arrangements. Wardany was hanged at 6 A.M. on the following morning in the presence of the Sub-Governor of Cairo, Harvey Pasha, the Governor of the Prison, and two doctors. No other persons were admitted. The prisoner was very nervous, but showed no fear. He was evidently much disappointed at the small number and official character of the persons present. On the scaffold, he endeavoured to deliver a speech, but was requested to confine himself to a statement of his last wishes. He then said, "I com-mend my mother and sister to you- There is only one God and Muhammad is his prophet- Liberty and independence come from God." Death was certified to have been instantaneous. The native press had announced that the execution would be held on June 26th and, early that morning, a crowd of some 300 loafers of the lowest class assembled round the prison. They were kept moving by the police, but loitered in the neighbourhood. During the morning, Ashmawi, the executioner, who had been receiving orders from Harvey Pasha, left the prison and entered a tramway. He was recognised by some of the loafers who, thinking that the execution had taken place, assumed a threatening attitude toward him and began to throw stones at the tramway. The police quickly extricated him; he remained for some time in a neighbouring police station and was afterwards sent to Alexandria to await instructions there, and he returned only on the eve of the execution. The press then announced that June 29th was the date fixed for the event. On the actual morning of the execution there was scarcely a soul in the vicinity of the prison. The few persons waiting there followed an empty sanitary cart which left the prison yard at 7 A.M. About the same time Wardany's body was removed in a similar cart from a private entrance of the Court of Appeal. Everyone entering the prison on the morning in question, including two journalists who protested loudly, was detained in-side until these proceedings were over. Wardany's body was taken to the cemetery of Imam el Shafei, where it was handed over to his uncle, Dr. Zeifal Effendi, an official of the Public Health Department, and quietly interred. Some grave diggers discovered what was taking place and a small crowd began to collect, but was easily persuaded to disperse by some plain-clothes police stationed at the spot. Dr. Zeifal helped to discourage manifestations of sympathy and the authorities are greatly indebted to this gentleman for his co-operation throughout the proceedings. The officer sent to inform Wardany's mother of the execution and to take her and her daughter to the cemetery was unable to find her at her home, but discovered her at the house of a magician, to whom she had promised £23 in order that he should liberate her son by magic. The officer arrived before the money had been paid. The mother is reported to have been much affected and to have repeatedly said, "May God induce those who have persuaded you to fall into the same trap." Under the provisions of the law, no official ceremony is per-mitted in the case of persons who have suffered capital punishment, and the family of Wardany was warned to this effect; but a large number of sympathizers, at least four or five hundred, comprising prominent nationalists, students, etc., have called at the mother's house, dressed in deep mourning, to express their condolences. Although Wardany's fate has undoubtedly provoked very general sympathy, there have been no attempts to disturb public order and perfect quiet prevails throughout the country. The action of the authorities in avoiding publicity and in not following the usual course of inviting journalists to attend at the execution, has been bitterly criticised in the local press. Publicity would have entailed large crowds round the prison and consequent difficulty in removing the body; it was also undesirable that real or imaginary "last words of Wardany" should be circulated among a credulous public. I venture to submit that the arrangements made, with your approval, were justified, and that the result reflects credit upon Harvey Pasha, who was responsible for them. (signed): RONALD GRAHAM, June 30th, 1910.

Service in Egypt must have appealed to George Harvey, for in the following year he joined the ‘Egyptian Gendarmerie’ and in 1884 was one of a dozen British officers to accompany Baker-Pasha’s force to the Suakin area to attempt to win over some of the Arab tribes which were at that time under the sway of the Mahdi’s Lieutenant, Osman Dinga. However, the local Sheiks, fearing that the British intended to withdraw from the Sudan decided that their long-term future lay with supporting Osman Dinga. Thus the relief of the Turkish garrison at Sinkat was now deemed impossible and Baker, eager to restore his reputation after a scandalous incident involving a young lady, on a train near Woking, in England, went on the offensive. The composition of the force was, Commander-in-chief, Lieut.-General Valentine Baker Pasha. His head-quarter staff consisted of Colonel Abdul Russak Bey, native chief of the staff; Lieut.-Colonel Fitzroy Hay, late of the Highlanders, European chief of staff; Major Harvey, A.D.C., late 42nd Black Watch; Colonel Morice Bey, paymaster; Dr. Leslie, in charge of medical department. Commanding 1st Division was Major-General Sartorius Pasha, and on his staff were Lieut.-Colonel Harington, chief of divisional staff; Major Izzet Effendi; Captain Goodall, A.D.C. In February 1884, the Gendarmerie, was ear-marked for the relief of Tokar which lay several miles inland from Trinkitat. Valentine Baker and his A.D.C., Harvey, the balloonatic and adventurer Colonel Fred Burnaby of the Blues, and Colonel Hay (Hay Bey) were given a lift down the coast in the flagship of one of the most bemedalled old salts afloat, Admiral James Hewett, V.C.. Once ashore, Harvey and Fred Burnaby set out to reconnoitre a path for the Army across the swamp that stretched between Trinkitat and the mainland proper. The next day, the troops were led out from ‘Fort Baker’ and at 0900 hours, a few rounds from the Krupp guns announced that the action had began.. Baker then ordered G.D. Giles (Gilo) to charge a small group of mounted Arabs who had appeared on the right flank. But instead of just one troop advancing, the whole regiment took off to attack that handful of men. Fred Burnaby, attired that day in civilian clothes and armed with a pistol and umbrella, takes up the story; Quote, “Major Harvey was sent to recall them. I rode with him. After a gallop of about two miles he succeeded in halting the squadrons and induced them to return to their rightful positions in the line of march. As they were retiring, three Arab horsemen showed themselves over the brow of the hill. Our cavalry, instead of opposing their foes, broke into a gallop in spite of all that Major Harvey could do. (Note: At this juncture in the battle Baker’s infantry panicked and fired on their own cavalry completing the scene of confusion). Major Harvey and I now rode towards the square. Constant streams of bullets were now whistling in every direction, when, as we come over the crest of a little rising ground, the troops came into sight, but no longer in any order. …The large square had broken up into confusion. The fleeing Egyptians had rushed into the two smaller squares composed of Turks and blacks and destroyed their formation…The sight was one never to be forgotten, some four thousand men running pell-mell for their lives with a few hundred Arabs behind them spearing everyone within reach.” Unquote. Seeing the day was lost, Baker with Saratorious, Hay, Burnaby, Harvey and a few others, charged together through the rebels towards the safety of the coast, leaving 112 officers and 2,350 men dead on the field of battle. The whole remnant of the wretched army now crossed in straggling parties to the landing-place. By the time General Sartorius reached the shore, the Egyptians and a good many of the Bezingers had already got on board ship, and seeing the state of panic of the men, and the impossibility of doing anything with them should the rebels attempt to follow across the morass, it was decided that the troops should embark at once. As soon as this was known, all the Egyptian officers made haste to get on board, leaving their men on shore. They had to be sent for, and when they were brought back, most of them escaped and crept off again as soon as the general's back was turned. General Baker, General Sartorius, Major Harvey, and Lieut.-Colonel Hay had to do the work themselves, and were up nearly all the night. A more disgraceful ending to a desperate day's work could with difficulty be conceived. On 18 February, a British Expeditionary Force under General Sir Gerald Graham, V.C. sailed from Suez for Suakin. Baker, Burnaby and Harvey were appointed Intelligence Officers and joined Graham’s force at Trinkitat. Four days later Harvey and Burnaby were again sent out over the marsh. In the advance they could see a red flag flying over Fort Baker in defiance of the British advance, giving doubt as to whether the enemy were in occupation. “I will have that flag” shouted Harvey, spurring his charger forward. Burnaby, for once outdone in boldness, dashed after him but Harvey won the race and seizing the flag, drove a handful of Arabs into the desert. By this time, news had come in that Tokar had fallen to Osman Dinga, but nevertheless, it was decided to continue the operation and disperse the enemy. Thus Sir Gerald Graham, emulating Gordon’s offer to the Mahdi, by sending “; Quote, “Major Harvey of the Black Watch went forward to deliver an ultimatum to the foes. Which he did by planting a pole in the sand, bearing a letter in Arabic calling upon the Sheikhs, to disperse or take the consequences.” Unquote. Next day revealed that the letter had been removed and that no answer had been given. Therefore, on Leap Year’s Day, Graham advanced his force to El-Teb, and with a clear conscience and avenging spirit, caused great slaughter among the enemy on the battlefield where Baker had been so terribly beaten just a few weeks before. At some point soon after returning from the Suakin Expedition Harvey raised a local corps known as ‘Harvey’s Blacks’. On the 15th September 1884 Harvey was appointed Commandant of the Police Depot and on 31st December of the same year he was appointed the Commandant of the new Gendarmerie Force consisting of two battalions, an Infantry Battalion of 1000 men and a mounted Battalion of 480 men. He was appointed Commandant of Police in Alexandria in 1888 after the death of General Baker and the transfer of the Gendarmerie to the Egyptian Army. By 1910 he had become the Commandant of the Cairo Police. In the spring, of the same year, an attempt was made on his life. The Illustrated London News reported that; Quote, “Apparently the motive…was personal rather than political, his assailant being a German Jew recently dismissed from the Secret Police as a bad character.” Unquote. On the outbreak of war in 1914, the task of deportation and internment of enemy aliens fell to one of Harvey Pasha’s most trusted officials, a Levantine named Philippides who used his position to settle old scores. Fortunately, Thomas Russell, who was later to become an almost legendary figure in the Egyptian Police, was at hand, and by risking his career, eventually managed to bring Philippides and his formidable wife to trail. In 1916, Harvey Pasha, whom the ambitious Russell found to be ‘a martinet of the old school’, was faced with an altogether different sort of problem. The average incidence of venereal disease for the Egyptian Expeditionary Force was 12%, and was running as high as 25% in some units. Thus Harvey decided on drastic action to ‘clear up the scores of free-lance girls and catamite boys who had sprung up outside the licensed quarters. A special internment camp was set-up at Hilmiya, into which his police threw as many of these ‘long haired degenerates’ as they could find. However, to Russell’s annoyance, the key-figure in the trade, a huge transvestite Nubian known as el-Gharbi, remained at liberty simply because Harvey had never heard of him. When Russell sent for el-Gharbi, Harvey exploded; Quote, “Demanding what the hell everyone meant by bringing that disgusting patchouli-scented sodomite into his presence.” Unquote. From :DESPATCH .No. III. Army Headquarters, Cairo. 1st March, 1916. I am also greatly indebted to Colonel Harvey Pasha, C.M.G., and Colonel Hopkinson Pasha, C.M.G., the Commandants of the Cairo and Alexandria Police respectively, for their strenuous and difficult work in keeping order under most difficult circumstances in these large cities, and who, in addition to their civil duties, have taken on that of Provost-Marshals at my special request. In fact, every branch of the Egyptian Government has been used to the uttermost with their whole and ungrudging consent. Consequently the resources of Egypt have been probed and developed with a result which has surprised even those who knew them best, and I have not only been able to carry on the administration of my command, but also to assist materially the interests of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force which were centred here, and to administer Martial Law without inconvenience and with a staff scarcely larger than that of the small garrison maintained here before the war. I have the honour to be, Your Lordships obedient servant, J.G. MAXWELL, General Commanding the Force in Egypt. In 1918, Harvey-Pasha, Head of Police and Provost Marshall of Cairo was made a K.B.E. He died in Edinburgh Scotland on 11 April 1930 – he had led a full and colourful life.

If the mods feel this post is in the wrong section please feel free to move. The below group of medals has been a part of my collection for quite some time now, and of course one of my favourites, many groups have come and gone over the years but this group is one of the very few that has stayed. Not to say it will not go in the future, if a great Officer Sudan 1910 group comes my way I may be persuaded to trade. It has been a great research project for me and thought I would share . Colonel, Sir. George Samuel Abercrombie Harvey(Pasha), KBE, CMG, Commandant, (Lewa, and Provost Marshal) Egyptian Police, late 42nd Royal Highlanders.(Black Watch). Awards. K.B.E. First type. Civil Division. Neck badge and breast star. C.M.G. Companions neck badge, in ‘Garrads’ case of issue. A breast badge converted for neck wear. Egypt Medal. Dated 1882.‘Tel el Kebir’, ‘Suakin 1884’ & 'El-Teb’: Lieut, G.S.A..Harvey, 1/R.Highrs. 1914-15 Star (Col.G.S.A. Harvey). British War Medal 1914-1918 (Col Sir, G.S.A.Harvey) . Allied Victory Medal (Col Sir, G.S.A.Harvey). 1911 Coronation Medal. Turkey : Order of the Medijie, 2nd Class Set (neck badge and breast star). Egypt : Order of the Nile, 2nd Class Set (neck badge and breast star). Turkey: Order of the Osmanieh. 3rd Class Commanders neck badge. Egypt: Khedives Egypt Star. Dated 1882. George Samuel Abercrombie Harvey was born in Banffshire, Scotland on 21 October 1854. Son of the late W.J. Harvey of Carnousie, Banffshire. Mother Elizabeth Diana Lily, 2nd Daughter of the late lieutenant Colonel, Craigie-Halkett of Cramond, Midloathian and Hartnil Lanarkshire. His family had made their fortune in the West Indies. Educated at Glenalmond school, Perthshire, he gained a commission in the Royal Highlanders, or Black Watch – the premier Highland Regiment on 29th November 1876, serving with the 1st Battalion Royal Highlanders during the Egypt Campaign of 1882. The battle of Tel-el-Kebir. On the evening of the 12th September, the tents of the Kassassin camp were struck at nightfall, and the attacking forces moved forward into the desert, to bivouac for a short time, and then to start at such an hour as would bring them to the enemy’s lines at the proper time for attack—namely about daybreak. The Highland Brigade, 3000 strong, formed the left hand front portion of the attacking force, and was so placed as to be about 1000 yards in advance of the right hand portion. The formation was in column of half-battalions in double companies, with the Black Watch on the right; and the march began with distances of 40 to 50 yards between half-battalions, and of 150 to 200 yards between regiments; "but," says Lieut.General Sir E. B. Hamley, "as it was most desirable that the men should march at ease, these intervals almost disappeared, and the brigade presented practically the appearance of two almost continuous lines, one about 50 yards behind the other, and occupying a front of about half a mile." At half-past one A.M. the bivouac was broken up, and, almost immediately after, the advance began—all that was known of the enemy’s works being that they were about five miles distant, and that they would be reached just at dawn. The Highland Brigade moved parallel to the railway and fresh water canal, and at a distance from them of about 2000 yards, and was guided in its westward march by Lieutenant Wyatt Rawson, RN., who rode opposite the centre of the brigade, and kept his course by the stars. Only one brief incident marked the march, when, on a short halt being called, the right and left wings advanced after the centre stopped, and, swinging round, "absolutely faced each other at a distance of some fifty yards." Had either mistaken the other for a body of Egyptians, the result might have been serious; but the error was at once discovered and rectified. About a quarter before five on the morning of the 13th, just as signs of daybreak began t appear, a few scattered shots, the sound of a bugle in front, and a dark line looming above the sand hills, showed that the time had come. The order was at once given, "Fix bayonets!" and just as this was done the whole line of entrenchment in front was lit up by a blaze of rifle-fire. The order was to attack with the bayonet without firing, and "at the magic word ‘Charge!’ the whole brigade sprang to its feet and rushed straight at the blazing line." The distance to be traversed was only some 150 yards, but in that short space nearly 200 men fell. The point attacked by the Highlanders was almost in the centre of the enemy’s line, and, occupying the highest ground, was, with the bastions on either side, the key to the whole position. Bearing the entire brunt of the earlier portion of the assault—for it attacked just before daybreak, while the right-hand portion of the attacking force was still over 1200 yards distant—and exposed to a heavy fire from almost overwhelming masses of Arabi’s troops, the brigade suffered a momentary check; but General Hamley met this by pushing forward some small bodies he had kept in reserve at the ditch, and on the arrival of the 60th and 46th regiments—which formed the reserve behind the Highland Brigade—he advanced with the whole body against the lines of entrenchment already mentioned as leading back towards Arabi’s camp. "Up the bank," says one of the Black Watch, "we went, and it was full of men, and they turned on us like rats in a trap; but the infantry did not stand long. However, honour to whom honour is due— the artillerymen stood to their guns like men, and we had to bayonet them. .As soon as that job was done; I saw two regiments of cavalry forming up on the right. ‘Prepare for cavalry’ was given, and in less time than it takes to write this we formed in a square, and were waiting for them; but when they saw this they wheeled to the right-about and off; they would not face a square of Scottish steel." The fighting was indeed over, and all that remained for the Highlanders to do was to occupy Arabi’s camp and capture the railway station. They "had done their work; they had secured a number of trains, the engines only escaping; had captured the immense commissariat stores and thousands of camels; and by seven o’clock had sat down comfortably to breakfast on the scene of the victory." The assault began at five minutes to five, the station was captured at half-past six, and at seven the whole brigade was again in order. "Thus," says General Hamley, "in that interval of time, the Highland Brigade had broken, under a tremendous fire, into the middle of the enemy’s entrenchments; had maintained itself there in an arduous and dubious conflict for twenty minutes; had then captured two miles of works and batteries, piercing the enemy’s centre, and loosening their whole system of defence; and had finished by taking the camp and the railway trains, and again assembling ready for any further enterprise. No doubt these troops were somewhat elated—perhaps even fancied that they had done something worthy of particular note and remembrance. And, in fact, the Scottish people may be satisfied with the bearing of those who represented them in the land of the Pharaohs." “A letter written to Harvey from Lieut-General Sir W. Butler in 1901, touches on his service at Tel-el-Kebir” Quote, Government House, Devonport. 7thOctober 1901. “I remember your brilliant service at Tel-el-Kebir, when you headed a party of your regiment into one of the works in the Egyptian Line of Defence which was very stubbornly held by it’s Garrison”. Unquote.

here's one i picked up the other day. Chris any way of finding Villermain's WWI service. Best, Brian.

Hi Chris, None of his paper that I have actually cover his WWI service, how would I be able to find out ? Best, Brian.