Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (2042 Pte. E. Brewer, 2 Bn. Rifle Bde. 1873-4) minor edge bruising, good very fine £350-400

2042 Private Edward Brewer, “H” Company, 2nd Rifle Brigade, died of wounds at Cape Coast Castle on 22 July 1874. In ‘The History of the Rifle Brigade ...’, by Sir William H. Cope, it is stated that of the 33 officers and 652 men of the 2nd Battalion who landed at Cape Coast Castle fit for duty, 27 officers and 473 men returned to England in a fit condition. The difference was mainly due to sickness, with only 3 officers and 30 other ranks being wounded and just 2 other ranks dying of wounds.