acepilots.com banner

British Medals Main Page

Cape of Good Hope

Cape of Good Hope medal

Egypt Medal

Egypt Medal

Queen's Sudan Medal

Queen's Sudan Medal

Queens South Africa Medal

Queen's South Africa Medal

British Victorian Campaign Medals, 1880 - 1900

Awarded for Service in Africa

By , Dec. 2008. Updated July 20, 2011.

In the last twenty years of the Victorian era, Britain's imperial responsibilities (or colonialism) included: the defense of the foreign legations in Peking (now Beijing) during the Boxer Rebellion, the Boer War, campaigns in the Sudan (under Gordon and then Kitchener). Of particular interest is the Queen's South Africa Medal (1899-1902), which could include many, many clasps for the battles of the Boer War.

This period also saw campaigns in Egypt, Central Africa, Canada, West Africa, East Africa, and two campaigns against the Ashanti, all of which had their own medals. As British general Sir Charles Napier observed, "so perverse is mankind that every nationality prefers to be misgoverned by its own people than to be well ruled by another" Indeed. During these years, the British were kept very busy fighting such "perversity."

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 1880-97

Description: (shown at left)

The obverse bears the head of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. The reverse has the arms of the Cape Colony with the words 'CAPE OF GOOD HOPE' above and the inscription 'SPES CONA' below. The suspender is straight with a claw mount riveted to the medal.

Clasps:

'TRANSKEI', 'BASUTOLAND' and 'BECHUANALAND'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide of three equal stripes of dark blue, orange and dark blue.

Naming:

Either faint indented or engraved blocked capitals but examples with impressed narrow capitals also exist.

Notes:

Only 5,250 of these medals were awarded by the Cape Government to colonial troops who put down a number of small native uprisings with only 15 being issued to British troops. The medal was usually awarded with a clasp although 10 were awarded without and only 23 medals exist with all three.

EGYPT MEDAL 1882-89

Description:

The obverse has the head of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. The reverse depicts a sphinx facing left with the word 'EGYPT' above and '1882' in the exergue below. Post 1882 awards were identical but with the 1882 date being omitted. The suspender is straight with a claw mount sweated to the medal.

Clasps:

'ALEXANDRIA', 'TEL-EL-KEBIR', 'TAMAAI', 'EL-TEB-TAMAAI', 'SUAKIN 1884', 'THE NILE 1884-5', 'ABU KLEA', 'KIRBERKAN', 'SUAKIN 1885', 'TOFREK', 'GEMAIZAH' and 'TOSKI'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide with five equal stripes of blue, white, blue, white and blue.

Naming:

Those with the 1882 date usually have engraved sloping capitals while undated examples are impressed sloping capitals or large upright capitals for those issued to the Royal Marines. Indian troops had their medals engraved in running script and those to Egyptian troops were named in Arabic.

Notes:

The maximum number of clasps awarded to anyone person is seven but only one such example exists while six medals were issued with six clasps. Medals with five clasps are rare but those with four or less are more common. Medals with the clasps 'ABU KLEA' or 'KIRBEKAN' should always be accompanied with 'THE NILE 1884-5' and those with 'TOFREK' must always be accompanied by 'SUAKIN 1885'.

KHEDIVE'S STAR 1882-91

Description:

Five pointed star with a central raised circle bearing an image of the Sphinx with the Pyramids behind, the word 'EGYPT' above followed by a year (for the first three issues and undated for the fourth) with the same written in Arabic below. The reverse has the monogram of the Khedive under a crown within a raised circle. The suspender is straight with a crescent and five pointed star in the centre which is attached to the star with a small metal loop passing through a small ring between the two top points of the star.

Clasps:

'TOKAR 1308'.

Ribbon:

1.50" wide and dark blue.

Naming:

These stars were issued unnamed or with some form of regimental stampings on the reverse which usually took some abbreviated form while others have full names.

Notes:

Four issues of this star are encountered including those dated '1882', '1884', '1884-6' and an undated version. This star is normally encountered with the Egypt Medal 1882-89 with the 1882 dated issue with the 1882 dated Queen's medal however the undated version was awarded to troops who did not qualify for the Queen's medal. The 'TOKAR 1308' clasp was awarded to those who had fought at the battle of Tokar in 1891 (1308 being the Arabic date) but had already received a previous star.

NORTH WEST CANADA MEDAL 1885

Description:

The obverse depicts the diademed head of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. The reverse has the words 'NORTH WEST CANADA' and the date '1885' within a wreath of maple leaves. The suspender is straight with a claw mounted sweated to the medal.

Clasps:

'SASKATCHEWAN'.

Ribbon:

Blue/Grey ribbon with two red stripes and 1.25" in width.

Naming:

Issued unnamed but often encountered with private engravings.

Notes:

Some 1,760 of these medals were awarded with only sixteen to British troops the rest being issued to members of the local forces. Two un-official clasps of 'FISH CREEK' and 'BATOCHE' exist but have no value to collectors.

EAST & WEST AFRICA MEDAL 1887-1900

Description:

This medal is virtually identical to the Ashantee Medal with the obverse bears the head of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA'. The reverse depicts the troops in combat with the native enemy against a jungle backdrop. The suspender is straight and attached to the medal by a claw mount sweated to it.

Clasps:

'1887-8', 'WITU 1890', '1891-2', '1892', 'WITU AUGUST 1893', 'LIWONDI 1893', 'JUBA RIVER 1893', 'LAKE NYASSA 1893', '1893-94', 'GAMBIA 1894', 'BENIN RIVER 1894', 'BRASS RIVER 1895', '1896-98', 'NIGER 1897', 'BENIN 1897', 'DAWKITA 1897', '1897-98', '1898', 'SIERRA LEONE 1898-99', '1899' and '1900'.

Ribbon:

Again the ribbon is identical to that of the Ashantee Medal being 1.25" wide, yellow with black borders and two narrower inner black stripes.

Naming:

Naming varies with examples encountered with impressed tall serifed capitals while others (later awards) have narrow or square capitals and some to officers appear with engraved sloping capitals. Those awarded to native troops are usually in engraved running script.

Notes:

Although this medal is identical to the Ashantee Medal it is somewhat thinner and also appears in bronze for native troops. Those who took part in the 'MWELE' operations in 1895 do not have a clasp to commemorate this but often have 'MWELE 1895' engraved on the rim of the medal as well as the 'BRASS RIVER 1895' or 'BENIN 1897' clasps.

The clasps 'LIWONDI 1893', 'LAKE NYASSA 1893' and 'DAWKITA 1897' are considered rare. The collector should verify any medal encountered with these clasps before purchase as they have been subject to fakes.

BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA COMPANY'S MEDAL 1890-97

Description:

The obverse bears the crowned head of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA'. The reverse has a charging lion with a spear sticking out of its chest, a mimosa bush in the background and a native shield and spears under the lion's paws. Above is the words and date appropriate to the campaign for which the medal is awarded (see clasps below) while below is the inscription 'BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA COMPANY'. The suspender is ornate with roses, shamrocks and thistles attached to a claw mount sweated to the medal.

Clasps:

'MASHONALAND 1890', 'MATABELELAND 1893', 'RHODESIA 1896' and 'MASHONALAND 1897'.

Ribbon:

The ribbon measures 1.40" wide and is yellow with three dark blue stripes making 7 equal stripes in total.

Naming:

Generally engraved in heavy capitals either upright or sloping while those awarded for Matabeleland and Rhodesia are usually indented capitals.

Notes:

This medal was awarded by the British South Africa Company with the authority of Queen Victoria. Clasps were only awarded for the second campaign with the appropriate medal for the first.

CENTRAL AFRICA MEDAL 1891-98

Description:

This medal is identical to the East & West Africa medal (and thus the Ashantee Medal) with Queen Victoria crowned and veiled head on the obverse with the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA'. The reverse depicts troops in combat with natives against a jungle background. The suspender is straight with a claw mount sweated to the medal.

Clasps:

'CENTRAL AFRICA 1894-98'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide with three equal stripes of black, white and brown.

Naming:

Impressed with square sans serif capitals or engraved script. Some of these medals were issued unnamed.

Notes:

This medal was also issued in bronze to some native troops and those awarded with the clasp 'CENTRAL AFRICA 1894-98' are considered rare.

ASHANTI STAR 1895-96

Description:

Four pointed star with a St. Andrews Cross visible between the points. The obverse has a crown in the centre within a circle the legend 'ASHANTI 1896'. The reverse has the raised inscription 'FROM THE QUEEN' in the centre within a raised circle. Attachment to the ribbon is via a small ring which passes through a smaller loop on the top point of the star.

Clasps:

None authorised for this medal.

Ribbon:

Yellow with two black stripes on either edge and 1.25" wide.

Naming:

Most were issued unnamed but those awarded to members of the 2nd Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment have their name and regiment are engraved on the reverse of the arms of the cross. This was done at the personal expense of the Colonel.

Notes:

Some 2,000 of these stars were awarded to British and colonial troops. Fakes so far encountered are found much thinner with crude detail.

QUEEN'S SUDAN MEDAL 1896-97

History:
The Queen's Sudan medal commemorates the forced expansion of the de facto British protectorate of Egypt to the south, into what at the time was a wholly independent Sudan. The previous attempt by British and Egyptian forces to subdue and control these territories failed after the successful Dervish revolt led by Muhammad Ahmad ("The Mahdi"), the climax of which was the defeat of General Gordon at the fall of Khartoum.
Description:

The obverse bears the bust of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. The reverse has the winged figure of Victory seated with her arms outstretched holding a palm branch in her left hand and a laurel wreath in her right. In the background are the Royal Standards and below her feet is the word 'SUDAN'. The suspender is straight and attached to the medal with a riveted claw mount.

Clasps:

None authorised for this medal.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide divided in half into black and yellow with a central narrow red stripe. The yellow is said to represent the desert while the black is for the Dervish tribesman and the red for the thin line of British troops. The original ribbon had a corded edge.

Naming:

Styles of naming varies considerably from engraved neat sloping capitals, upright capitals, impressed thin Roman capitals while some were awarded unnamed. Arabic naming is also found to native troops.

KHEDIVE'S SUDAN MEDAL 1896-1908

Description:

The obverse of this medal bears the Arabic inscription which translates into English as 'ABBAS HILMI THE SECOND' and has the Mohammedan date of '1314'. The reverse has an oval shield bearing 3 stars and crescents in the centre surrounded by flags and lances. There are also two crossed rifles and cannons with a stack of cannon balls below which is the words 'THE RECONQUEST OF THE SUDAN 1314' also in Arabic. The suspender is straight with a claw mounted sweated to the medal.

Clasps:

'FIRKET', 'HAFIR', 'ABU HAMED', 'SUDAN 1897', 'THE ATBARA'. 'KHARTOUM', 'GEDAREF', 'GEDID', 'SUDAN 1899', 'BAHR-EL-GHAZAL 1900-02', 'JEROK', 'NYAM-NAYAM', 'TALODI', 'KAFTFIA' and 'NYIMA'.

Ribbon:

The ribbon is 1.50" wide, yellow with a central broad blue stripe. The yellow represents the desert while the blue stripe is the Nile River.

Naming:

Naming to British troops was done in engraved upright square or sloping capitals or have impressed small capital letters or are regimentally named. Indian troops had their medals engraved in running script while Egyptian and Sudanese troops had their medals named in Arabic.

Notes:

This medal was issued by the Khedive of Egypt to commemorate the reconquest of the Sudan and other later operations. In most cases it was issued with at least one clasp but some examples exist without. An unofficial clasp of 'OMDURMAN' also exists.

EAST & CENTRAL AFRICA MEDAL 1897-99

Description:

The obverse bears the head of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. The reverse has the figure of Britannia standing next to a lion holding her trident in her right hand and a pal branch and scroll in her outstretched left hand. In the exergue below are the words 'EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA. The suspender is straight and is riveted to the medal with a claw mount.

Clasps:

'LUBWA'S', 'UGANDA 1897-98', '1898' and 'UGANDA 1899'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide with two equal stripes of red and yellow.

Naming:

Usually in indented capitals or thin engraved sloping or upright capitals or running script for some Indian troops.

Notes:

All silver issues of this medal were awarded with a clasp but some bronze examples were awarded without to camp followers.

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899-1902

Description:

The obverse of this medal has the crowned bust of Queen Victoria with the inscription 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. There are three reverses for this medal with minor differences. All have the figure of Britannia facing right with her hand stretched out holding a wreath. Behind her is her shield bearing the Union Flag and in the background can be seen both the ships of the Royal Navy and soldiers marching to battle. Above Britannia are the words 'SOUTH AFRICA'. The first version had the dates 1899-1900 on the reverse above Britannia's arm with the wreath in her hand pointing to the 'R' of 'AFRICA'. This is because originally it was thought the war was over in 1900 and so the dates 1899-1900 where cut as part of the die and appeared at the top of the medal above Britannia's arm. It was soon realised that the war was to drag on so the dates were erased from the dies but very faint 'ghost' dates of 1899-1900 could be seen on the medals struck for the second version. The reverse was later completely re-cut for the third version with the dates omitted and the wreath points to the 'F' of 'AFRICA' where Britannia's arm has been slightly elevated to help fill the gap made from the removed dates. The suspender is straight and attached to the medal via a claw mount.

Clasps:

'CAPE COLONY', 'BELMONT', 'WEPENER', 'NATAL', 'MODDER RIVER', 'DEFENCE OF MAFEKING', 'RHODESIA', TUGELA HEIGHTS', 'TRANSVAAL', 'RELIEF OF MAFEKING', 'RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY', 'JOHANNESBURG', DEFENCE OF KIMBERLEY', PAARDEBERG', 'LAING'S NEK', 'TALANA', 'ORANGE FREE STATE', 'DIAMOND HILL', 'ELANDSLAAGTE', RELIEF OF LADYSMITH', 'WITTENBERGEN', 'DEFENCE OF LADYSMITH', 'DREIFONTEIN', 'BELFAST', 'SOUTH AFRICA 1901' and 'SOUTH AFRICA 1902'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide with a broad central orange stripe and two stripes of dark blue and scarlet on both sides.

Naming:

Various types of naming are used for this widely issued medal including both engraved and impressed.

Notes:

Those medals bearing the dates '1899-1900' were issued to members of Strathcona's Horse and are very rare demanding high prices. Those with 'ghost' dates of the second version are not really worth anymore than those of the third version without any trace of the dates, yet some private sellers have made a point about such medals to raise the price. Also the clasp 'RELIEF OF MAFEKING' is very rare and highly sought after and any examples encountered with this clasp should be confirmed to a medal roll before purchase as many false ones exist. The clasp 'WEPENER' is also rare and 'RHODESIA' is scarce so command higher prices.

KING'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1901-02

Description:

The obverse of this medal bears the head of King Edward VII and the inscription 'EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR'. The reverse is the same as the Queen's South Africa Medal third type. The suspender is straight with a claw mount.

Clasps:

'SOUTH AFRICA 1901' and 'SOUTH AFRICA 1902'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide with three equal stripes of green, white and orange.

Naming:

As with the Queen's medal the naming varies including both engraved and impressed letters.

Notes:

The Queen's medal can be awarded alone but the King's medal is always accompanied by the Queen's. The King's medal generally always has the two clasps listed above but some very rare issues had only the 'SOUTH AFRICA 1902' clasp (although regulations stated it must have both) while others to nursing sisters had none.

MEDITERRANEAN MEDAL 1899-1902

Description:

This medal is almost identical to the Queens South Africa Medal 1899-1902 except the inscription 'SOUTH AFRICA' has been replaced by the word 'MEDITERRANEAN' on the reverse.

Clasps:

None authorised for this medal.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide with a broad central orange stripe and two stripes of dark blue and scarlet on both sides.

Naming:

Usually impressed or engraved in varying styles.

Notes:

This medal was authorised by King Edward VII and was awarded to volunteer and militia troops who had replaced their regular counterparts in the various garrisons across the Mediterranean. This allowed more regular troops to be available for the South African War. The medal was also awarded to troops who were guarding Boer prisoners of war at the P.O.W. camp on the island of St. Helena. Approximately 5000 meals were awarded in total.

DEFENCE OF KIMBERLY STAR 1899-1900

Description:

A six pointed silver star with small balls at the end of each point and a raised circular centre within which is the inscription 'KIMBERLY 1899-1900' and the Kimberly town shield. The reverse is flat and plain except for the inscription 'MAYOR'S SIEGE MEDAL 1900'. The ornate suspender is sewn directly to the ribbon and attached to the star by a small metal ring. The top edge of the ribbon has a silver clasp with the name of the recipient to the front and a safety type pin to the reverse for wear.

Clasps:

Non authorised for this medal.

Ribbon:

1" wide with a yellow left stripe, black right stripe and 3 narrower equal stripes of red, white and blue in the centre.

Naming:

Engraved in block capital letters on the reverse of the star and on the clasp at the top of the ribbon.

Notes:

This award was made by the town of Kimberly and therefore is not an official award and cannot be worn on the uniform with official campaign medals. Approximately 5000 stars were awarded.

TRANSPORT MEDAL 1899-1902

Description:

The obverse of this medal bears the head of King Edward VII facing left with the legend 'EDWARD VII REX ET IMPERATOR'. The reverse depicts a map of the world with a transport vessel at sea below and the Latin inscription 'OB PATRIAM MILITIBUS PER MARE TRANSVECTIS ADJUTAM'. The medal is attached to the ribbon by a plain straight swivelling suspender as found on the Queens South Africa Medal.

Clasps:

'SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902' and 'CHINA 1900'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide, red with two broad dark blue stripes at either side.

Naming:

Usually found in impressed square capitals. Rank is not normally given but those awarded to ships masters often have 'IN COMMAND' impressed after the name.

Notes:

This medal was awarded to ship masters, first, second and third Officers, first, second and third Engineers as well as Pursers and Surgeons of some 117 merchant ships used to take troops to South Africa and China. Also eligible were those who served in 11 hospital ships employed during the 2 conflicts. A total of 1781 Transport Medals were awarded.

ASHANTI MEDAL 1900

Description:

The obverse of this medal bears the head of King Edward VII facing left with the legend 'EDWARD VII REX IMPERATOR'. The reverse depicts a proud lion standing overlooking a river with a rising sun to the left. Below the lion's feet are a native shield, broken spears and the inscription 'ASHANTI'. The medal is attached to the ribbon by a plain straight swivelling suspender.

Clasps:

'KUMASSI'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide, dark green with a black central stripe to the centre and two black stripes on the edges all of equal width.

Naming:

Usually found either engraved or indented capital letters.

Notes:

First medal to be issued with the head of King Edward VII. Examples found with the 'KUMASSI' clasp are considered rare and so should be verified if possible before purchase.

THIRD CHINA WAR MEDAL 1900

Description:

The obverse of this medal has the crowned bust of Queen Victoria looking left with the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. The reverse is the same as the First and Second China War medals with the coat of Royal Arms on a shield in front of a cannon and the inscription 'ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACIM'. The main difference is the date 1900 in the exergue below the word 'CHINA'. The suspender is straight and fixed to the medal via a claw mount.

Clasps:

'TAKU FORTS', DEFENCE OF LEGATIONS and 'RELIEF OF PEKIN'.

Ribbon:

1.25" wide of crimson red with yellow edges.

Naming:

Naming is seen in both engraved and impressed form including running script for the Royal Field Artillery and Indian units.

Notes:

The 'Defence of Legations' clasp is extremely rare and should be verified to a medal roll before purchase as many fakes exist. A bronze version of this medal also exists for issues made to certain native units.