The Robert Barltrop Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment

Pair: Major G. R. Pearce, Manchester Regiment

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (Lieut: G. R. Pearce. 2/Manch: R.); Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, unnamed as issued; pitting from star, with edge wear especially to the regiment on the first, otherwise nearly very fine (2) £240-£280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Robert Barltrop Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment.

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Graham Ravenhill Pearce was born at Brighton on 19 April 1858. After moving to London he volunteered for service and obtained a commission in 3rd Middlesex (Royal Westminster) Regiment of Militia and was promoted Lieutenant on 11 November 1878. He obtained a transfer to the regular army and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the 96th Regiment, joining the regimental depot at Aldershot. He was promoted by selection to Lieutenant on 6 December 1880, and was then serving at Malta. In 1881, the 63rd and 96th Regiments became 1st and 2nd Battalions the Manchester Regiment. The 2nd Battalion left Malta for for Egypt and landed at Alexandria on 17 August 1882. On 14 October of the same year, Lieutenant Pearce was appointed as a probationer for service with the Indian Staff Corps, landing at Bombay on 30 October, and then onward to Deolali, Umballa and Mooltan. However, he subsequently reverted to the Manchester Regiment to be District Adjutant at Ashton Under Lyne in 1883.

Pearce later served with 1st Battalion in Ireland and he was promoted Captain on 27 June 1888. He retired on ‘half pay’ on 29 January 1890, but transferred to the Militia being appointed Captain in the recently formed 3rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment being appointed Honorary Major in December 1891 and Major in 1894. He resigned his commission on 10 July 1885 and died at Chelsea on 22 May 1902.

Sold with copied service papers and other research including an annotated photographic image of the officers of 1st and 2nd Battalions, Manchester Regiment at Ras El Tin Barracks, Alexandria, Egypt, taken in 1882, which includes the recipient.