Ashanti 1900, 1 clasp, Kumassi (Serj:-Maj: A. Griggs. W.A.F.F.) low relief bust, half-hearted attempt to erase impressed naming, polished, good fine £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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‘Before this anxious month of May [1900] was far advanced, the first contingent from Northern Nigeria arrived at Cape Coast under the command of Captain Hall. It consisted of two companies, 1st Bn. W.A.F.F., under Captains Wilson and Beamish, and one 75 m/m gun in charge of Sergeant Griggs, R.A. They immediately proceeded up-country, and were, in fact, the last body of troops to traverse the Adansi country unopposed.’ (The Relief of Kumasi by Captain H. C. J. Bliss, W.A.F.F. refers).

‘On 23rd May Captain Hall attacked Kokofu but being opposed by vast numbers of the enemy was unable to capture it; his troops behaved well, but he was attempting a task which more than double the numbers were unable to effect later. On this occasion Lieutenant Edwards, Sierra Leone Frontier Police, Sergeant Griggs, R.A., West African Frontier Force, and six men were wounded.’ (Despatch of Colonel Sir James Willcocks, K.C.M.G., D.S.O., Commanding Ashanti Field Force, dated 14 August 1900, London Gazette 4 December 1900, refers).

Sold with copied research and medal roll confirmation.