Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Rare ‘assault on Magdala - storming of the gate’ Abyssinia 1867 D.C.M. group of three awarded to Company Sergeant Major W. Chamberlain, Royal Engineers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (7313 Corpl. Willm., Chamberlain, Royal Engrs.); Abyssinia 1867 (7313 Sapper W. Chamberlain Royal Engrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (7313. Sapper W. Chamberlain, R.E.) light contact marks, therefore very fine (3) £5000-6000

D.C.M. awarded for services at the Assault on Magdala, Abyssinia 1868.

William Chamberlain was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and attested for the Royal Engineers at Dublin, in October 1862. He served with the 10th Company, R.E., which sailed from London on the Mendoza, 4 November 1867, to join the expedition under Sir Robert Napier in Abyssinia.

The 10th Company played a key role in the storming of the gate at Magdala, 13 April 1868, and it was here that Chamberlain distinguished himself:

‘On arriving close to the gate the enemy opened fire through loopholes, by which Major Pritchard [Officer Commanding 10 Coy RE] and two Non-commissioned Officers and one Sapper were wounded, and Lieutenant Morgan at the same time received a severe contusion in the head and shoulder from stones. One of the loopholes being somewhat vigourously served from within, Pritchard directed Sapper Chamberlain to fire through it from outside. This with his breech loading Snider, Chamberlain at once proceeded to do, and soon cleared it of its occupant.’ (History of the Royal Engineers, Vol. III, refers)

Chamberlain was promoted 2nd Corporal, August 1868, and advanced to Company Sergeant Major in July 1881. He was discharged 16 December 1883, after 21 years and 214 days service.

1 of 7 D.C.M.’s awarded for the Abyssinia campaign of 1867-68.