The Allan and Janet Woodliffe Collection of Medals Relating to the Reconquest and Pacification of the Sudan

Five: Major Ralf Sumner Gibson, Royal Marines Light Infantry, the only Marine to qualify for the ‘Mandal’ clasp and afterwards a member of the Sudan Government

1914-15 Star (Major, R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Maj., R.M.L.I.); Egypt, Order of the Nile, 4th Class breast badge, silver, silver-gilt and enamel; Khedive’s Sudan 1910-22, 1st issue, 1 clasp, Mandal, unnamed, mounted court style for display, extremely fine (5) £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Allan and Janet Woodliffe Collection of Medals relating to the Reconquest and Pacification of The Sudan 1896-1956.

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Ralf Sumner Gibson was born in Wells, Somerset on 20 October 1882, the son of Canon Edgar Charles Sumner Gibson. He was educated at Marlborough College. Appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 1 January 1901. Promoted to Lieutenant in January 1902 and Captain in January 1912.

Seconded for service with the Egyptian Army with the rank of Bimbashi (Major) on 13 September 1912 and served with the 10th Sudanese Battalion. Served in the Mandal expedition, March-April 1914. He retired from the services in January 1921 and became Assistant Civil Secretary to the Sudanese Government. In August 1929 he was appointed Recruiting Officer, Bristol. Served as such as an Acting Lieutenant-Colonel, 1939-45. Latterly lived at Bracken Hill, Wrington, Bristol.

With folder containing copied research.