War Medals

EGYPT CAMPAIGN MEDAL 1882-89 : PIPE-MAJOR : 1ST. BN. ROYAL HIGHLANDERS :

Egypt Campaign Medal 1882-89, dated reverse, bars, 'Tel-El-Kebir', 'Suakin 1884', 'El-Teb_Tamaai', 'The Nile 1884-85', 'Kirbekan', correct style of engraved naming - 205 Pte. P. McKENZIE, 1/R. Hrs. (Royal Highlanders) : (RONALD McKENZIE - Born around 1858 at Sleat on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, was by occupation a Gentleman's Piper when on 10 August 1881, he attested at Inverness for The Black Watch : Posted to the 1st. Battalion, he served at home until 7 August 1882, on which date the Battalion left for Egypt, where it was to remain until April 1886 : According to Regimental Pay Lists he was appointed Piper from 6 July 1883 and subsequently Pipe-Major : From 1 May 1886 to 7 August 1889 the recipient served in Malta : He had been promoted to Corporal from 28 August 1888 and appointed Lance-Sergeant on 12 September 1888, but on 28 November of that year he was convicted of drunkenness and reduced in rank : He was appointed Piper and returned to duty the following day : From 8 August 1889 he served at Gibraltar for two months and arrived home on 8 October 1889 : He was transferred to the Army Reserve from 13 October 1889 and discharged on 9 August 1893 then having completed twelve years service : The recipient is reported to have died at Glasgow in March 1911 when he was given a military funeral to Slighthill Cemetery : It was at Kirbekan on 10 February 1885 that "the British line which was by this time in the rear of the enemy, with the flank resting on the Nile, now advanced, and Major-General Earle, finding that it was impossible to dislodge the Arabs by musketry fire alone, gave orders for the Black Watch to carry the 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 the General. From the loop-holed walls the rifle puffs shot out continuously but without a check the Black Watch advanced, scaled the rocks and at the point of the bayonet drove the enemy from their shelter.") : Sold with verification, copy Service Papers and related research : Note medal issued with incorrect initial letter 'P' but Service Number and all other details confirm that this is the medal awarded to Piper Ronald McKenzie : Light pitting from contact with Khedive's Bronze Star, to which the recipient is also entitled : Scarce and generally better than VF - £1850