Orders, Decorations and Medals

ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, Founders Gold Medal, contained in its gold rimmed glazed case, the edge inscribed (Lieut. Boyd Alexander (Rifle Brigade) 1908) 54mm, 3. 8ozs. troy, sometime re-glazed, otherwise good very fine and rare

Lieutenant Boyd Alexander was a noted pioneer and explorer who held a commission in the Rifle Brigade and had taken part in the relief of Kumassi, 1900. His crowning achievement was his leadership of the Alexander-Gosling Expedition across Africa, from the Niger to the Nile, 1904-07. Alexander was the only European to complete the 5,000 mile journey, as Captain Gosling and his own brother had died on the way. When he finally reached Khartoum in 1907, his clothing hung in rags but he was immediately recognised for his valuable contribution to geographical exploration and natural history. He was honoured with medals ftom the Royal Geographical Societies of London and Antwerp, and he published a two volume account of the expedition titled 'From the Niger to the Nile.' Lieutenant Alexander, whilst on another expedition in Aftica, was murdered by a party of natives in the Sultanate of Wadai on the 2nd April, 1910.