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2283 PRIVATE JOHN LAWRIE, 1ST.BN., ROYAL HIGHLANDERS (THE BLACK WATCH)
Egypt Campaign Medal 1882-89, undated reverse, bars, 'The Nile 1884-85', 'Kirbekan', correctly engraved naming - 2283 Pte. J. LAWRIE, 1/Rl.Highrs.; Khedive's Bronze Star, dated '1884-6' , unnamed as issued : (JOHN LAWRIE - Born around 1865 at Dundonald, Kilmarnock, Ayr, a farm labourer when on 11 March 1884, at Perth, he attested for the Royal Highlanders. Served at home until 27 August 1884 when the Battalion was deployed to Egypt, where it was to take part in the Nile Expedition to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum. The Battalion together with the 38th.(1st.Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment), a Squadron of 19th.Hussars,, the Egyptian Camel Corps with two guns, were placed under the command of Major-General Earle, and left Korti on 24 January 1885 to proceed up the Nile. Many difficulties encountered with the river meant that progress was slow and the column did not reach the vicinity of Kirbekan until 9 February 1885, where it was discovered that the enemy, which had previously fallen back as the column advanced, were found reinforced and encamped on a rocky range of hills near the Nile. At sunrise on the morning of 10 February 1885 1he assault was commenced, leaving two companies of tthe 38th. with the two guns in front to make a feigned attack, Earle with the bulk of his troops made a detour, turning the left of the enemy's position and attacked them in the rear, but finding that it was impossible to dislodge the Arabs with musketry fire alone, gave orders for the Black Watch to carry tthe position with the bayonet. The Regiment responded gallantly to the order. The Pipers struck up, and with a cheer the Black Watch moved forward with a steadiness and valour which the enemy was unable to resist, and which called forth the admiration of tthe General. From the loop-holed walls the rifle puffs shot out conttinuously but without check the Black Watch advanced, scaled the rocks and at the point of the bayonet drove the enemy from their shelter. The recipient later served in Malta and Gibraltar and returned home on 11 April 1892. He was discharged on 10 March 1896.) : Sold with verification, copy Service Papers and related research: Very slight contact marks. Generally GVF - £595