Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine ‘Kirbekan’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant T. Watt, Royal Highlanders, who was wounded during the battle, 10 February 1885

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (1379. Sergt. T. Watt. 1/Rl. Highrs 10th Feby. 1885); Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (1379 Serjt. T. Watt, 42nd Highds. 1873-4) suspension claw crudely re-affixed, and loose; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 5 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, Suakin 1884, El-Teb, The Nile 1884-85, Kirbekan (1379. Cr. Sgt. T. Watt. 1/R. Hrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1379. Sergt. T. Watt. Rl. Highrs.); Khedive’s Star 1882, unnamed as issued, with contemporary silver quintuple top riband buckle, light contact marks overall, therefore nearly very fine or better (5) £3400-3800

D.C.M. awarded for the battle of Kirbekan, 10 February 1885. Recommendation submitted to the Queen, 25 August 1885 (General Order 109 of 1885).

Thomas Watt was born in Cupar, Fife, and attested for the Royal Highlanders at Dundee, in April 1865. He advanced to Corporal in July 1868, and to Sergeant in June 1870. Having served with the Regiment during the Ashantee War 1873-74, he was promoted Colour Sergeant in June 1879, but resigned the Colours in April 1883 and was appointed Canteen Sergeant.

Watt served with distinction at the battle of Kirkbekan, 10 February 1885, at the start of the battle the enemy had taken up a strong position on the Kirkbekan ridge, which lay astride the route of the expedition. Brigadier-General Brackenbury’s despatch for the battle adds the following insight:

‘A company of the Royal Highlanders was left in a strong zariba to guard the boats, baggage, baggage animals, and all unarmed men, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Eden, 1st Battalion Royal Highlanders, with Major Sandwith, D.A.A.G., as his Staff Officer.

Two companies of the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment and two guns were placed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Alleyne, A.A.G., who was instructed to take up a position on a rocky knoll in front of the enemy’s position and occupy his attention in front, while with six companies of the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment and six companies of the 1st Battalion Royal Highlanders, Major-General Earle marched about a mile and a half to his right front, completely turning the high ridge and the whole of the enemy’s position.

For this point the column marched under fire from the high ridge from the broken and rocky ground, then pivoting on the left the right of the column was brought round till it faced the rear of the enemy’s position. It was found that the column formation, ready to form square, was unsuited to the nature of the ground, and the advance was made by companies but not in extended order; and points of vantage in the rocky ground were occupied in succession.

Sending two companies of the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire about 9 am to take the ridge by working up its shoulder, Major-General Earle directed the right of the Black Watch to advance, under cover of the river-bank, and take the knoll (koppie) nearest the river. This was successfully done, and the main koppie was thus enfiladed.

The remainder of the Black Watch then advanced from one rocky knoll to another towards the rear of the position. At this time a considerable body of the enemy rushed down from their position towards the Black Watch, who, without altering their formation, received them with admirable coolness, and, killing many, completely turned them. A few only reached the river and escaped.

The Black Watch, under Colonel Green, then advanced, with pipes playing, and stormed the main koppie from front and flank most gallantly, killed everyone of the enemy, who were in great numbers among the rocks and boulders... The operation was performed with skill and courage, and the enemy were driven from their last position by 1.30pm.’

Watt was wounded during the battle, and was discharged 13 December 1887, having served 22 years and 254 days with the Colours. He died in Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in September 1913. He had been recommended for an M.S.M. with annuity, but died before a vacancy for the annuity became available.