Egypt and Sudan 1882-89 Medal. Undated reverse with clasp 'Suakin 1885' (Dooly Bearer Tordhu 9th Bl. Cavy.)

Important: The only Indian cavalry regiment to serve qualify for the Egypt and Sudan Medal undated with clasp 'Suakin 1885 was the 9th Bengal Cavalry. The muster strength of the 9th Bengal Cavalry at Suakin in 1885, comprised: 10 x British Officers; 13 x Native Officers and 475 x NCO's and Other Ranks. The regiment served with considerable distinction. Officers and men of the regiment being decorated with the below following awards:

- Companion of the Order of the Bath: CB (Military): X 1 (Officer Commanding)
- Order of British India: x 1
- Indian Order of Merit: x 9

The 9th Bengal Cavalry were also awarded the collective battle honour 'Suakin 1885'

The recipient was an Indian attested non-combatant follower, providing the trade of 'Dooly Bearer', while on the rolls of the 9th Bengal Cavalry, a mounted regiment of the British Indian Army

Scarce seen medal on the market to 9th Bengal Cavalry (in 1901, restyled, 9th Bengal Lancers (Hodson's Horse)

Reference 'Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India' (Volume 6), it is recorded that the 'Transport' of the Indian Contingent sent to Egypt in 1884, was almost entirely under 'Regimental' charge, and consisted of 1973 Mules, 150 Bullock Carts & a corps of over 500 'Dhoolie Bearers'. The same source records that during the action fought on 22 March 1885, the 'British' casualties were 150 killed, 174 wounded and 148 missing, the latter including 124 native followers

A choice condition example of this medal, and quite possibly a medal issued to a follower who had died in the Sudan (i.e., one of the 124 followers posted 'missing' (an unfortunate euphemism for anyone fighting the 'Dervishes' / 'Mahdist's) on, 22 March 1885

Condition: About EF

Code: 22232