Four: Colour Sergeant W. J. Davis, South Staffordshire Regiment

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, The Nile 1884-85, Kirbekan (793 Pte. W. H. Davies [sic]. 1/S. Staff: R.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2509. Cr: Sgt: W. J. Davis. S: Staff: R.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (C. Sjt. W. J. Davis. S. Staff. R.); Khedive's Star, dated 1882, unnamed as issued, contact marks and pitting to naming of first which has obscured much of the number and Regiment, otherwise good fine and better (4) £400-£500

William John Davis was born on the island of Corfu, Greece, in 1862. Following three years' service in the Dorset Militia, he attested for the 38th (1st Staffordshire) Regiment of Foot at Manchester on 14 September 1876 and was appointed Drummer. He served overseas in Malta and Egypt, and was present with the 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, when a British column under General Earle stormed the heights of Kirbekan and routed a strong Mahdist force.

Appointed Colour Sergeant on 6 April 1887, Davis re-engaged for the South Staffordshire Regiment at Gibraltar on 18 July 1888 and served as drill instructor for a number of years until his discharge to pension in 1908. Awarded the M.S.M. under Army Order 242 of 1926, he died at Smethwick, Staffordshire, on 4 November 1932.

Sold with copied research including two photographs of the recipient.