War Medals

EGYPT CAMPAIGN MEDAL 1882-89, RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION LABOURER, LUCAS & AIRD

Bar, 'Suakin 1885', undated reverse, correct style of engraved naming in bold upright serif capital letters - Labourer J. TOOMER : (Mr JOHN TOOMER was a civilian construction worker employed by Messrs Lucas & Aird, the civil engineering company contracted to the British Government to build a railway from Suakin to Berber. The Suakin-Berber railway on the Red Sea coastal region in the Sudan was a short-lived military project which was never completed. Construction of the railway commenced in February 1885 and was intended to provide a connection between Berber on the River Nile and Suakin on the Red Sea, and was to serve for the rapid deployment of troops and military material in Britain's involvement in the Mahdist War. However in May 1885 after barely three months work during which time only twenty miles of track, of the proposed two-hundred and eighty miles had been laid, and at a cost estimated to be approaching One Million Pounds. Britain suspended the war with the Mahdi, withdrew from the Sudan and in consequence terminated the Suakin-Berber railway project. It is stated that the difficulties and escalating costs involved in building the railway contributed to provide ammunition for Gladstone's opponents in Parliament and in doing so helped to bring down his Second Administration.) : Sold with verification, Scarce NEF - £450