Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, Suakin 1885, unofficial retaining ‘rod’ between clasps (3753 Driv: J. Toms. G/B. R....) heavy pitting and contact marks that has somewhat obscured unit, polished, fine £80-£100

John Toms was born in Wisbech, near Peterborough, in 1860. A groom, he attested for the Royal Artillery on 19 June 1879, serving initially at Dublin before embarking from the Albert Dock to Alexandria via the transport Ludgate Hill on 8 August 1882. Upon arrival, his Battery was soon engaged in the capture of Mahsama - where G/B. fired 24 rounds - and then successfully seized the locks at Kassassin on 28 August 1882. On 9 September 1882 the Battery was back in action when the enemy launched an early morning attack on Kassassin, and on 14 September 1882 it formed part of the Cairo Garrison.

Posted to India on 15 January 1886, Toms was finally discharged on 26 June 1891. Following a spell of incarceration and numerous other indiscretions, his superiors were at pains to point out his character as ‘fair’ albeit, ‘latterly good for the last year and a half.’

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