Pair: Trumpeter E. Newton, 20th Hussars, who was noted as sounding the ‘Charge’ at Gemaizah, and was killed in action during that battle, 20 December 1888

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Gemaizah 1888 (1461. Trumptr. E. Newton. 20th Hussars.); Khedive’s Star, undated, unnamed as issued, generally good very fine, and a unique single clasp award to a Trumpeter in the regiment (2) £2,000-£2,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from an Africa Collection.

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Medals to Trumpeters from the Collection of Roderick Cassidy, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2004.

Edward Newton was a native of Edmonton, London, and was killed in action at Gemaizah, whilst serving as a Trumpeter with the 20th Hussars, 20 December 1888:

‘I am glad to find that at least one board of guardians can do justice to the memory of those who reflect credit on their teaching. The Strand Guardians have resolved to place a marble slab in the dining hall of their schools at Edmonton, bearing a suitable inscription in memory of Trumpeter Newton, of the 20th Hussars, who sounded the “charge” the other day at Suakin. Newton, who was twenty-six years of age, was educated at Edmonton, and joined the Army when only 15. He was one of the many boys whom that prince of trumpeters, Binnie, late of the 2nd Life Guards, fitted for the service of the Crown. All those who are interested in the education of youths for the military service should take an early opportunity of inspecting Mr Binnie’s class. It would be difficult to find a smarter set of lads anywhere in England.’ (The People, 6 January 1889 refers)

During the cavalry charge at Gemaizah, three troopers and Trumpeter Newton were killed and mutilated, prompting not merely feelings of rage and vengeance but the reflections of Trooper E. L. Wedlake:

‘It was indeed a glorious charge, though marred with grief and pain. For Newton, Thomas, Jordan, Howes, were numbered with the slain. We bore them from the field of strife with tenderness and love. And trusted that their souls had found a resting place above. Then our thoughts returned to Cairo camp, with mottoes and its flowers. With saddened recollections of its gay and festive bowers. We wept for our gallant comrades, as still in death they lay. And in the camp of our beaten foes we spent our Christmas Day.’

The four men of the 20th Hussars were re-interred in the Khartoum Cemetery of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

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