Orders, Decorations and Medals

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 2 clasps, Suakin 1885, Tofrek (185 Pte. J. Smith, 1/Rl. Berks. R.) extremely fine and a unique casualty £1000-1200

185 Private James Smith was killed in action, 3 December 1885, during the defence of Ambigol Wells, 2nd to 5th December. Smith was part of a detachment of 50 Berkshires employed to protect the post at Ambigol Wells, north of Akasha, under the command of Captain J. A. Ferrier, R.E. The railway line between Wady Halfa and the advanced base at Akasha, some two and a half miles in length, was destroyed by a force of some 700 dervishes. Having cut the railway line North and South of Ambigol Wells, they occupied the hills surrounding this small but well-fortified oasis. Shouting to Captain Ferrier and his little garrison, 'Railway finish. Telegraph finish. You finish,' the dervishes commenced a fierce attack. Ferrier made a most gallant defence and drove his assailants away before the arrival of the relief column of Mounted Infantry on 4 December 1885. The sole casualty in this affair was the unfortunate Smith who was killed during the main attack on the 3rd when, with several others, he volunteered to cross under a heavy fire to the train and bring back ammunition, the supply of which, in the Fort, was becoming exhausted. The sortie was successful in its purpose but for the loss of Private Smith. Ferrier was specially mentioned for his gallant defence of the Wells and received the D.S.O. for the action at Ginnis on the 30th of the same month.