Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

An outstanding Abu Klea D.C.M. group of three awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major William Beale, 19th Hussars

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Tp. Sgt. Maj. W. Beale, 19th Husrs. Jan. & Feb. 1885); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 4 clasps, Suakin 1884, El-Teb-Tamaai, The Nile 1884-85, Abu Klea (1021 Tp. Sgt. Maj. W. Beale, 19th Hussars); Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Sgt. Maj. W. C. Beale, 19/Hussars) contact wear and pitting, nearly very fine or better (3) £5000-6000

D.C.M. recommendation submitted to the Queen 7 November 1885, ‘in recognition of gallant conduct during the recent operations in the Soudan.’ Another source gives the citation for Beale’s award: ‘Having been conspicuous on many occasions with the Desert Column and for his coolness and gallantry in reconnoitring in front of the column in the Soudan Campaign.’

M.S.M. awarded 15 November 1892, with Annuity of £15.

William Charles Beale was born at Ramsgate, Kent, in February 1852, and attested for the 19th Hussars at Canterbury on 13 January 1870, just one month short of his eighteenth birthday. He rose rapidly through the ranks to become Sergeant in March 1877, and Troop Sergeant-Major in September 1880. He re-engaged to complete 21 years in December 1881, and was appointed Regimental Sergeant-Major in April 1885. Described by his commanding officer, Colonel French, in February 1889, as a man of ‘irreproachable character’, Sergeant-Major Beale took his final discharge on 31 August 1891, and died as a pensioner on 11 September 1898.