Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (Lieut: C. J. Gilbert, 23rd. R.W. Fusiliers 1873.4) contemporarily re-engraved in a similar style to the official issues, edge bruising, very fine £200-£240

Charles J. Gilbert was born on 4 December 1842 and was commissioned Ensign in the 23rd Regiment of Foot on 3 March 1865. He was promoted Lieutenant on 1 September 1869, and embarked with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers for the Gold Coast on 21 November 1873. The Regimental History records him as being among the first troops to land. During the later stages of the campaign he served as Lieutenant-in-Charge Regimental Transport, and was present at the battles of Amoaful and Ordashu.

Promoted Captain on 30 March 1878, Gilbert retired as an honorary Major on 4 December 1882, and died on 6 October 1884.

Sold with copied medal roll extract; interestingly, Gilbert appears on the same page of the medal roll as two Victoria Cross recipients: Lieutenant-Colonel T. B. Hackett and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel L. O’Connor, both 2nd Battalion, 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers.