The Upfill-Brown Collection

A rare group of seven to Colonel A. Bain, Electrical Engineers and Local AfricanForces, late Royal Irish Constabulary

ASHANTI STAR 1896, unnamed; QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (Major, R.E.); KING'S SOUTH AFRICA, 2 clasps (Major, Elec. Engr. R.E.); AFRICA GENERAL SERVICE 1902-56, 1 clasp, N. Nigeria 1906 (C. Coin. Maj., N.N.C.); CORONATION 1911, unnamed; TERRITORIAL DECORATION, G.V.R. ; VOLUNTEER FORCE LONG SERVICE, E.VII. R. (Major, Elec. Engrs. London Div. Vols.), mounted court style for display, good very fine (7)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The AA Upfill-Brown Collection.

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Colonel A. Bain served in the Ashanti Expedition of 1896 where he gained an unique award for the Royal Irish Constabulary, attached to the advanced guard of Hausas. He was afterwards appointed Camp Commandant at Ossian Kwanri and later at Suta. His Ashanti Star was issued via the Colonial Office on 5 September, 1896. He saw extensive service during the Boer War, including actions at Elands River and Rhenoster River, and was twice mentioned in despatches. According to the K.S.A. medal roll which Bain himself signs, only 6 Electrical Engineers were entitled. He was afterwards engaged in the North Nigerian Expedition of 1906, a punitive outing which Winston Churchill nearly postponed, since he could see no reason why 'these savage tribes should not be allowed to eat each other without restraint. '