Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Rare ‘Africa tribal action’ D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant Beliko Fulani, Gold Coast (Hausa) Constabulary, 1 of 4 awarded for the expedition against the Tavieves, May-June 1888

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (733. Sergt. Beliko. Fulani. Gold Cst. Constby.) suspension claw tightened, suspension slack, minor edge bruising, nearly very fine £2000-3000

D.C.M. recommendation submitted to the Queen, 30 January 1889.

A punitive expedition was sent out on the Gold Coast in May 1888, as a consequence of the murder of Assistant Inspector Dalrymple by the Tavieves. The force, under the command of Assistant Inspector Akers, consisted of approximately 50 Hausas. They set out from Accra and had captured Tavieve by the 29th May. Assistant Inspector Akers subsequently went down to Accra, leaving a combined force of Hausas and about 50 Crepi allies to watch the town. Another disturbance took place and Akers’ force was driven out. He returned, recaptured the town, and for a week afterwards the Hausas and their allies pursued the tribe all about the bush.

Akers’ report states:

“I also enclose a correct list of all casualties that have occurred in Tavieve since the 11th of May last. So far as I have been able to ascertain, about 500 to 600 of the Tavieve men have been killed, and about 200 women and children have died of exposure and starvation, or been accidentally shot during the fighting. The population of Tavieve was some 2,000 souls before any fighting took place, and so I shall leave here about 1,200 men, women, and children.”