Bidspirit auction | An Egypt Medal 1882-89 (dated

An Egypt Medal 1882-89 (dated reverse) with two clasps: ‘The Nile 1884-85’ and ‘Abu Klea’ to the 1st Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, together with the Khedive’s Bronze Star dated 1882. The Egypt medal is named to: 35 Pte C Kemp 1/R Suss R and the Bronze Star is un-named as issued. The 1st Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment (formerly the 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment of Foot) was originally sent to Egypt in May 1882 as part of the expedition commanded by General Sir Garnet Woseley to put down the rebellion by the Egyptian Army led by Arabi Pasha and to restore the authority of the Khedive. Forming part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, the Battalion qualified for the award of the Egypt medal with dated reverse, but without clasps, together with the Khedive’s Bronze Star dated 1882. Later, in 1884, the Battalion formed part of the Nile Expedition which attempted to relieve General Charles Gordon and the garrison at Khartoum from the imminent assault by the Mahdist forces. The Battalion formed the right flank of Major General Herbert Stewart’s square at the epic Battle of Abu Klea on 17/18 January 1885, when the British force of just 1,400 men defeated a Mahdist army of around 14,000 men, despite the British square being temporarily broken by the Dervishes - one of only two occasions when a British square was broken in the 19th century – and General Stewart being mortally wounded by Dervish rifle fire. For this second campaign 1/Royal Sussex qualified for the two clasps The Nile 1884-85 and Abu Klea to be added to their undated medal already earned. With copy extract from medal roll confirming the clasps. The Egypt medal with some light pitting from contact with the Star, but generally very Fine (VF) condition.