Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Corporal D. W. Watt, Royal Engineers, who was commended in Regimental Orders for his services in Zululand in 1879

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (14585 Lce. Corpl. D. W. Watt, R.E.); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (14585 Corp. D. W. Watt, 17th Co. R.E.); Khedive’s Star 1884-6, good very fine (3) £600-700

David William Watt, who was born in Inverness, enlisted in the Royal Engineers at Lichfield, Staffordshire in October 1877, aged 18 years.

Advanced to Lance-Corporal in September 1878, he was embarked for South Africa in February 1879, where he saw active service in the 30th Company, R.E. in the Zulu War (Medal & clasp). As confirmed by his company’s Regimental Orders published at Fort Napier on 12 December 1879, he was among those commended for their services in the campaign.

Having then returned home via a spell of garrison duty in Gibraltar, he was embarked for Egypt and the Sudan, where he witnessed further active service with the 17th Company, R.E. in the Suakin operations of 1885 (Medal & clasp; Khedive’s Star).

Advanced to Sergeant in March 1888, Watt purchased his discharge at Hong Kong in July of the same year; sold with copied attestation and service papers.