Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (2678 Compy. Serjt. Major J. Foster, 2nd W.I. Regt. 1873-4) obverse scratched, otherwise very fine £300-350

Company Sergeant-Major Foster was mentioned in the despatch of Evelyn Wood, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Troops at Elmina (London Gazette 18 November 1873) in connection with the operations undertaken against Essaman and Ampenee on 14 October 1873:

‘The most fatiguing and dangerous work done by anyone, except the Houssas, was well carried out by Lieutenant Eyre, Special Service, and 16 men, 2nd West India Regiment with company Sergeant-Major Foster. Fearing the Houssas, who had been drilled only two and a half days, might leave the track, I directed Lieutenant Eyre to support them, and if necessary to form our advanced guard. This became necessary at one time, but when the necessity ceased, he and his party begged to be allowed to act as flankers, and they continued to move through dense bush till Lieutenant Eyre dropped from exhaustion.’