Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (1272 Pte. W. Brassington, 7/Dn. Gds.) edge bruising, otherwise good very fine £900-1100

1272 Private William Brassington was killed in action by a gunshot wound to the chest at the battle of Kassassin on 28 August 1882, taking part in the “Moonlight Charge” of the 7th Dragoon Guards and the Household Cavalry Brigade. Medal should not have Tel-el-Kebir clasp.

‘On the morning of the 28 August the Egyptians threatened the advanced troops at Kassassin, and the Household Squadrons and the 7th Dragoon Guards, at Mahsamah, were ordered forward. All day, in burning sun and parched with thirst, they remained out in the desert. As all was apparently quiet, Drury Lowe returned at 4.30 p.m. to Mahsamah to feed. Many a time has one seen horses mad with thirst, but surely never so mad as on that day, for no sooner was the canal in sight than the horses took charge of their riders, and rushing down the muddy banks, plunged into the water girth-high, and drank as if they had never drunk before.

Before the Brigade got back to camp guns were heard again, and immediately the order came to turnout. It was now dark and the 7th Dragoon Guards, leading, directed the advance by the evening star. A mile or two further on the flashes of the Egyptian guns, as they bombarded the camp at Kassassin, gave a more tangible objective. Drury Lowe, having received orders to attack the enemy's left, made a wide sweep to the north.

At this time the 7th were in the first line, the guns of N Battery, R. H. A., behind, and the Household Troops in support. Suddenly the Brigade came under fire from Infantry and Artillery, and the 7th were ordered to wheel outwards to uncover the guns, and then to form up in support of the Household Squadrons.

By this time the moon had risen. Squadrons showed up black, and flash answered flash as the opposing guns opened one on the other. The order now came to charge, and away went the Household Squadrons led by the gallant Ewart. Into the Egyptian Infantry and up to the guns thev went, the 7th following as a solid reserve in hand, but a little of this work was enough for the enemy, and they evaporated in all directions. It was now about 9 p.m., and, the firing having, ceased, all returned to camp.

The losses of the Regiment on this occasion were: Lieutenant Gribble, 3rd Dragoon Guards, attached, killed, and three men wounded’ (The Seventh (Princess Royal’s) Dragoon Guards, The Story of the Regiment, refers). With copied London Gazette extracts.