Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1887-8 (2641 Pte. J. Wright, 1/W.I. Rgt.) edge nicks, good very fine £120-150

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Richard Magor Collection of Medals Relating to India and Africa, and other Fine Awards.

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For services against the Yonnies, who lived in the hinterland of Sierra Leone, the whole under the command of Colonel Sir Francis Walker de Winton. Magor states:

‘The service was described as extremely arduous owing to the density of the forest which had to be traversed and to the continual fusillade which was kept up by the concealed enemy from their muzzle loaders which fired rough bits of iron and small shot.

During this campaign the Yonnies showed much skill in devising ambush stockades and in making use of obstacles so as to bring the troops to a standstill under their fire.

Robari, the Yonnie stronghold, was eventually reached, shelled, set on fire by rockets and quickly taken. The rebellious chiefs then submitted and the expedition returned to the coast.

British casualties were 20 wounded.’