Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The A.G.S. ‘Jubaland’ awarded to Colonel P. R. Legh, 16th Bombay Infantry, who commanded his regiment during the punitive expedition against the Ogaden Somalis, November 1900 - April 1901, including taking temporary command of the expeditionary forces when Colonel T. P. B. Ternan fell ill

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Jubaland (Lt: Col: P. R. Legh, 16/Bombay Inf.) toned, good very fine £700-£900

This lot is to be sold as part of a special collection, Medals from an Africa Collection.

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Piers Richard Legh was the son of Mr and Mrs P. F. Legh of Hyde House, Chalford, Gloucestershire, and was educated at Cheltenham College. Obtaining ‘his commission in the Army January 22, 1879, he was posted to the 4th Foot as 2nd Lieutenant, and on April 30, 1879,went to the 32nd Foot. Transferring to the Bombay Staff Corps as Lieutenant October 2, 1880, he became Captain January 22, 1890, and Major January 22, 1899. He was appointed to the command of the 16th Bombay Infantry (now the 116th Mahrattas) in March, 1901, and the same year served with his regiment in the British East Africa during the operations against the Ogaden Somalis (medal with clasp). He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel June 1, 1904, and to Brevet Colonel June 1, 1907. Colonel Legh vacated the command of the 116th Mahrattas in March last [1908].’ (Army and Navy Gazette 6 February 1909 refers)

During the punitive expedition against the Ogaden Somalis, Legh also commanded the Camel Corps and carried out reconnaissance. He also temporarily took command of the overall force, when Colonel Ternan was placed on the sick list. The latter wrote the following in his despatch from Mombassa, 23 February 1901:

‘Major Legh, (Indian Staff Corps), commanded 16th Bombay Infantry throughout the operations in an entirely satisfactory manner, and proved himself to be a most hard working and energetic officer.

I should like to take this opportunity of recording the excellent conduct of the whole of the Indian contingent while serving in Jubaland. I was particularly pleased with the steadiness shown by the detachment of the 16th Bombay Infantry, in action on the 17th and 18th February. The control of fire was remarkably good. The volleys were regular and there was not wild firing - all orders regarding sighting and the direction of fire were promptly carried out.’

Colonel Legh died in January 1909.

Sold with copied research, including photographic image of recipient.