Three: Private C. Boutell, Royal Marine Light Infantry

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Alexandria 11th July, Suakin 1884 (Pte., R.M., H.M.S. “Decoy”); British War Medal 1914-20 (Ch.1361 Pte., R.M.L.I.); Khedive’s Star 1882, unnamed, first and last with edge bruising and contact marks, fine; B.W.M. nearly extremely fine (3) £200-240

Charles Boutrell was born in Burnham, Essex on 29 April 1860. A Groom by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Marines on 29 April 1878. He served on the gunboat Decoy, 1881-85, being present at the bombardment of Alexandria in 1882 and the subsequent operations off Suakin in 1884. He served on the corvette Briton, 1886-87, in operations against slavers in the Red Sea. His papers state, ‘Entitled to share for captures made by Briton between the dates .... (4 January 1886-9 May 1887). Boutell was discharged in June 1900 due to length of service and enrolled into the Royal Fleet Reserve, being discharged in 1909. Recalled for service in the Great War, he served at Actaeon - the torpedo school at Sheerness, 1915-16, being discharged at Chatham on 28 March 1916. Sold with copied service papers and other research.