The Brian Kieran Collection

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1892 (Lieut. E. Baines, 1/W.I. Rgt.), re-pinned suspension claw, edge nicks, otherwise very fine £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Kieran Collection.

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Edward Baines, who was born in December 1865, was commissioned in the 1st West India Regiment in February 1888 and was advanced to Lieutenant in January 1890. He subsequently witnessed active service in the Gambia Expedition of 1892, including the attack on, and capture of Toniataba in March-April (Medal & clasp), when Lance-Corporal W. J. Gordon, also of the 1st Battalion, West India Regiment, won a V.C. for saving Major G. C. Madden’s life. Indeed the men of 1/W.I.R. bore the brunt of the fighting, as evidenced by the following report which appeared in The Graphic of March 1892:

‘The British punitive campaign against Fodeh Silah may rank as a first class specimen of plucky rapid work. Blow after blow was struck so smartly that the enemy lost all heart, deserted their leader and their stronghold and fled panic stricken into the bush. Not that the campaign was an easy one. The country was totally unknown to the British, so the gunboats had to shell Gonjur haphazardly, not being sure of its position, while the villages were sufficiently well fortified to offer considerable resistance had their inhabitants chosen. The main honours of the day fell on Major Madden and the West India Regiment, but the Naval Brigade also rendered valuable service. The West India column fought their way up country, destroying the stockaded villages one by one, and spreading such terror that at last they met with no opposition whatever. On their side the naval contingent were equally active and maintained a heavy fire. With their town in flames, the naval detachment threatening them seawards, and with the West India Regiment at their gates inland, the natives had thrown in the sponge. So sudden was their flight that they left behind them their flocks and household goods, beside a quantity of powder. The brigade found Major Madden in possession, so the combined forces completed the destruction of the place. One huge building destroyed was fitted with stocks and irons for the unlucky slaves, showing plainly enough Fodeh Silah’s chief source of income. This work was done, the Naval Brigade re-embarked and the warships returned to Bathurst, whilst Major Madden took the precaution of investigating the stronghold of Saniang where Fodeh Silah might have taken refuge. Bur Saniang was deserted, as it was evident Fodeh Silah was hiding in the bush, Major Madden went back to Bathurst, leaving a small force to keep guard at Cape St. Mary. It is believed that Fodeh Silah, on taking refuge in French Territory, has been captured by the authorities, and will be handed over to the British authorities. In any event the war is over and the late British reverses amply revenged.’

Next actively employed in the operations against the Sofas on the West Coast of Africa in 1893-94, for which he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 28 February 1894 refers), Baines won yet another “mention” from Major Madden, D.S.O., for his part in the expedition to the Gambia against Chief Fodeh Silah in 1894, when, in March of that year, he took a detachment of 70 men from Bathurst to occupy the town of Sukuttawas.