Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Egypt pair awarded to Private J. Bolsley, 19th Hussars, who was awarded the D.C.M. for a ‘V.C. Action’ during the Battle of El-Teb

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 4 clasps, Suakin 1884, El-Teb-Tamaai, The Nile 1884-85, Abu Klea (2235 Pte., 19th Hussars); Khedive’s Star, 1882, unnamed, slight contact marks, very fine (2) £1200-1400

D.C.M. London Gazette 6 May 1884.

During the Battale of El-Teb, 29 February 1884, the 10th Hussars and two squadrons of the 19th Hussars under Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Barrow, charged a large body of Sudanese on horses, camels and foot. The Sudanese, taking advantage of the broken ground and scrub, hamstrung many of the horses as they passed, and then attacked their fallen riders. Of those brought down in the melee few came out alive. One of those brought down was Colonel Barrow; his horse had been killed and he had received a spear thrust which pinned his arm to his side. When he fell, Quartermaster Sergeant William Marshall seized a loose horse, and was attempting to place him on it, when Private Bolsley, to whom it belonged, having been thrown from the saddle, came up on foot, and under a heavy fire supported his officer into the Infantry lines, assisted by Sergeant W. S. Fenton. For their bravery, Marshall was awarded the Victoria Cross and Bolsley and Fenton were each awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Note: surname on medal spelt ‘Bolsley’; elsewhere variously spelt ‘Bosely’, Boseley’ Boosley’. Sold with copied research.