Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare D.S.O. group of four awarded for the capture of Tambi, West Africa, to Lieutenant-Colonel R.G. Merriman, Royal Artillery

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER, V.R., silver-gilt and enamels, some chips to red enamelon the obverse centre EAST AND WEST AFRICA 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1892 (Capt., R.A.); BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS (Lt. Col.) very fine or better (4)

D.S.O., London Gazette, 9 August, 1892: 'In recognition of his services during the recent operations on the West Coast of Africa, resulting in the capture of Tambi and Toniataba.'

Reginald Gordon Merriman was educated at the United Services College, Westward Ho!, North Devon, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich where he was the Tombs Memorial Scholar, 1884. He joined the Royal Artillery in December, 1884, and served in the Expedition to the Tambaku country, West Africa, 1892, being decorated for his services, particularly in the capture of Tambi. The fortified stronghold of Tambi on the river Scarcies was assaulted on the 7th April, 1892. Merriman was in command of the Battery of Houssas and after breaches had been made in the walls by his artillery, the town was assaulted and captured. The expeditionary force was then reorganised for an attack against the stronghold at Toniataba which was captured on the 28th April, 1892. Captain Merriman was Adjutant of the Kent Artillery, E.D.R.A., 1895-99, and held various staff appointments at home before being appointed Lieutenant-Colonel on 29 January, 1913. During the Great War he served in France from August 1916, to January 1917, with the Siege Artillery.

Only 2 D.S.O's were awarded for the capture of Tambi.