Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Gemaizah 1888 (2218. Pte. J. Rea. 2/K.O. Sco: Bord:) light pitting from Star, very fine £140-180

James Rea was born in Gateshead, Co. Durham, in 1868 and attested for the King’s Own Scottish Borderers on 22 February 1887, having previously served in the 3rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He served with the 2nd Battalion in Egypt and the Sudan from 19 July 1888 until 1 January 1890, and was present at Suakin in the action at Gemaizah, 20 December 1888, before being discharged on 21 February 1899 after 12 years’ service. He re-enlisted for service during the South African War at Berwick on 22 March 1900, and for service during the Great War at Glasgow on 24 November 1914, but in neither instance served overseas, and was finally discharged on 14 December 1918 after 17 years and 21 days’ service.