Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

School of Military Engineering Haynes Medal 1898 (2), by F. Bowcher, obverse: bust of the officer facing right, ‘Captain A. E. Haynes, R.E., 1861-96’; reverse: a bridged chasm in high relief, ‘Field Fortification S.M.E.’ (No. 114549 Lce. Corpl. J. Hurst, R.E. 1903; 1875990 Spr. F. Hinks, 1st Fieldworks 257 Party “C” Coy. R.E.) 56mm., bronze, very fine and better (2) £40-60

The Haynes Medal was named after Captain A. E. Haynes, R.E., who as a junior officer was selected by Colonel Charles Warren to accompany him on the Palmer Search Expedition in 1882 and in the Bechuanaland Expedition of 1884-85. He was Assistant Instructor in Survey at the School of Military Engineering from 1889 to 1894. In 1896, while taking the 43rd Company to Mauritius, he with his company joined the Matabeleland Expedition. Haynes was killed in the successful attack on the Matabele stronghold. A subscription was raised by his family in order to erect a monument in Rochester Cathedral. The balance of the fund was used to provide bronze medals. A medal was awarded to an officer in each batch of young officers after going through the course of fieldworks, the nomination being made by the Commandant. A medal was also given to the sapper in each batch of recruits, best qualified in fieldworks, after going through the recruits’ course in that subject. The nomination being made by the Officer Commanding the Training Battalion. The first medals were awarded in 1902.