Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Egypt Medal awarded to Sergeant C. Williams, Army Hospital Corps who was awarded the D.C.M. for gallant conduct at Abu Klea and Abu Kru, in January 1885

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, The Nile 1884-85, Abu Klea (3520 Sgt. C. Williams. A.[H.C.]) edge bruising, heavy pitting from Star, last part of regiment heavily polished and indistinct, therefore good fine £1,600-£2,000

Dix Noonan Webb, October 2014.

D.C.M. Recommendation submitted to the Queen 3 October 1892.

Charles Robert Williams was born in Shandon, Co. Cork in 1860 and attested into the General Infirmary at Liverpool on 27 August 1877. Advanced Corporal on 1 April 1878 and Sergeant on 1 January 1882, he served in Egypt from 7 August 1882 to 9 October 1882, returning back on 28 November 1882. He was one of around 15 members of the Army Medical Department who served at Abu Klea and Abu Kru in January 1885, during which time members of the Department distinguished themselves by rushing from five of the the ranks of the square to rescue some 80 to 90 wounded men from the battlefield, whilst exposing themselves to the Soudanese who were only 400 to 500 yards away. For his gallantry during the Nile Expedition 1884-85, in particular for his services at Abu Klea on 17 January 1885 and Abu Kru on 19 January 1885, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, being presented with his D.C.M. by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on 25 November 1892, details being reported in The Times, 26 November 1892:

‘Her Majesty today decorated First-Class Staff-Sergeant Charles Williams, Medical Staff Corps, with the Distinguished Conduct Medal for services in Egypt. Sergeant Williams’ conduct during the Nile expedition, 1884-5, deserved the highest commendation; his gallant conduct at Abu Klea and Abu Kru and his zeal and cheerfulness throughout the campaign rendered him worthy of this reward.’

Advanced Sergeant Major 5 September 1894, Williams stood trial and was cleared of charges of negligently carrying out instructions thereby losing money entrusted to him and the misappropriation of money, during which time his D.C.M. and campaign medals had been forfeited, but were restored on 11 February 1896. He was discharged on completion of his second term of limited engagement on 27 August 1898 and died on 23 August 1946, aged 82.

Sold with copied service papers, a copied account of the presentation of the D.C.M. and very detailed copied research.