Orders, Decorations and Medals

EGYPT 1882-89, 2 clasps, Suakin 1885, Tofrek (185 Pte. J. Smith, 1/Rl. Berks. R.) nearly extremely fine and an unique casualty

Private Smith was killed in action at the defence of the Ambigol Wells on 3 December 1885. Smith was part of a detachment of 50 Berkshires employed to protect the post at Ambigol Wells, north of Akasha, under the command of Captain J.A. Ferrier, R.E. The railway line between Wady Halfa and the advanced base at Akasha, some two and a half miles in length, was destroyed by a force of some 700 dervishes. Having cut the railway line North and South of Ambigol Wells, they occupied the hills surrounding this small but well-fortified oasis. Shouting to Captain Ferrier and his little garrison, 'Railway finish. Telegraph finish. You finish,' the dervishes commenced a fierce attack. Ferrier made a most gallant defence and drove his assailants away before the arrival of the relief column of Mounted Infantry on 4 December 1885. The sole casualty in this affair was the unfortunate Smith who was killed in the main attack on the 3rd. Ferrier was specially mentioned for his gallant defence of the Wells and received the D.S.O. for the action at Ginnis on the 30th of the same month.