East and West Africa Medal 1887-1900. Silver issue with 4 x clasps, 'Sierra Leone 1898-99', '1897-98', '1893-94', '1892' (124 Pte. E. Monteith, 1/W.I. Rgt.)

Top clasp with replacement rivet. All clasps confirmed as entitled, expect that for '1897-98'. The clasps mounted in the order shown

Provenance: This medal was sold as part of distinguished and special collection 'The Richard Magor Collection of Medals Relating to India and Africa, and other Fine Awards' (London, 2003), when 21 years ago the medal hammered at GBP 340

Medals and clasps verification: The medal and 3 of the clasps confirmed as entitled - the clasp '1897-98' is not verified - per the below following medal roll references:

- Medal & clasp '1892': WO 100/76. For being present during the 'Tambi Expedition'
- Medal clasp '1893-94': WO 100/76
- Medal clasp 'Sierra Leone 1898-99': WO 100/92

The recipients service papers are extant and accessible at The National Archives

Edward Monteith, son of James Monteith and Catherine Monteith, was a native of, Carmel, Westmoreland, Cornwall County, Jamaica Colony, where he was born circa 1870. Edward had three siblings, vis brothers Oscar and Harmon and a sister, Frances. Described as a former 'Shoemaker', and 19 years of age, Edward enlisted in the British Army, when he attested at Up Park Camp, Kingston, Jamaica, on, 2 July 1889. On enlistment, Edward, who was was contracted to serve for 12 years, and was posted to the Depot of the West India Regiment for basic training. On completion of his training Edward was posted to the 1st Battalion W.I.R. being the unit that recruited from Jamaica (2 W.I.R. recruited largely from Trinidad & Tobago)

Edward Monteith a veteran 'West Africa' service campaigner. took his final discharge from the British Army at Jamaica on, 7 July 1899, the reason for discharge being cited as:

Quote,

Having been found medically unfit for further service

Unquote.

At discharge Edward held the rank of Sergeant. In total Sergeant Monteith had served 10 years and 6 x days 'With The Colours', and at discharge his character and conduct were described as 'Very Good'. During his ten years service he had served as under:

- 02/07/1889-19/12/1891: West Indies (Jamaica & including service in Barbados)
- 20/12/1891-24/02/1895: West Coast of Africa
- 25/02/1895-03/01/1898: West Indies (Jamaica & including service in Barbados & St. Lucia)
- 04/01/1898-09/05/1899: West Africa
- 10/05/1899-07/07/1899: West Indies

Edward's extant - and well detailed - service history confirms his active service in the below following campaign in West Africa:

- Tambi Expedition 1892
- Expedition against the Sofas W.C. of Africa 1893-94
- Expedition into Foreign Combo (?), Gambia, capture of Gunjuir 9.3.94
- Expedition to Karene (Hinterland of Sierra Leone) 1898

A very scarce and uncommonly well documented multi-clasp medal to a Jamaican soldier of the late Victorian era. The medal being of the finest possible provenance, vis 'The Richard Magor Collection of Medals Relating to India and Africa, and Other Fine Awards' (London 2003)

Condition: VF

Code: 24124