An ‘El-Teb’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Colour Sergent F. Webb, York and Lancaster Regiment, later Manchester Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (2170 Sergt. F. Webb. 1/York & Lanc: R. 29th. Feb: 1884); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, El-Teb-Tamaai (2170 Sergt. F. Webb. 1/York & Lanc: R:); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (C. Sjt. F. Webb. Y. & L.R.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2170. Cr. Sergt. F. Webb. Manch R.); Khedive’s Star 1884, reverse neatly and contemporarily impressed ‘2170 Sergt. Frank Webb. 1st. Y & L.R.’, heavy pitting from star, edge details worn in places - especially on D.C.M., nearly very fine, the MSM good very fine (5)
£3000-4000

Provenance: J. B. Hayward, May 1979 and Sotheby’s, June 1983.

D.C.M. awarded for the battle of El-Teb, 29 February 1884. Recommendation submitted to the Queen, 23 May 1884 (details London Gazette 6 May 1884).

Frank Webb was born in Brixton, London and attested for the 65th Foot at Lambeth Police Station, in August 1870. He served with the Regiment in India from January 1871, and as part of the Cardwell reforms of 1881, the 65th were re-designated the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment.

Webb advanced to Sergeant in March 1882, and served with distinction at the battle of El-Teb, 29 February 1884. On the latter date, after two hours of heavy fighting, the village of El-Teb was captured. The battalion were once again in action at Tamaai on the 13th March. The square was broken, and they were involved in much hand to hand fighting against hoards of fanatical dervishes. The battalion suffered 38 men killed and wounded.

Having advanced to Colour Sergeant in December 1886, Webb transferred to the Manchester Regiment in December of the following year. He was discharged 30 August 1893, having served for 23 years and 8 days (awarded the M.S.M. Army Order 231/1925).

Sold with copied research, and a photographic image of recipient in uniform - as featured in Memoirs Of The 65th Regiment.