Henry Felton 3/60th

This medal listing on e-bay at the moment

E-bay description:-

AN EGYPT 1882 PAIR TO A MOUNTED INFANTRY PRIVATE, SEVERELY WOUNDED AT KASSASSIN, 28 AUGUST 1882 AND HAD PREVIOUSLY SERVED IN THE ZULU AND 1ST BOER WARS OF 1879-81.
EGYPT AND SUDAN 1882-89, DATED REVERSE, 1 CLASP, TEL-EL-KEBIR ‘3396. PTE. H. FELTON . 3/K.R. RIF. C.’, KHEDIVE'S STAR 1882, UNNAMED AS ISSUED,
Henry Felton, a 20 year old Bricklayer from Birmingham, enlisted into the 3/60th Rifles on 27 May 1878. On 19 February 1879, he embarked with his regiment for Natal, serving in the Zulu War, his regiment forming part of the 2nd Brigade with the Eshowe Relief Column. The regiment was present at the Battle of Gingindlovu on 1st April 1879, where his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Northey, was killed in action.
Following the Zulu War, the Felton remained in South Africa with the 3/60th and took part in the 1st Boer War. During this campaign, the 3/60th were present at the battle of Ingogo River, element also being present at the battles of Laing’s Nek and Majuba Hill. Serving in Malta after the Boer War, in July 1882, Felton was posted to Egypt and took part in the Egyptian campaign of that year.
During this campaign, Felton was selected to serve with the small Mounted Infantry squadron and was severely wounded at the battle of Kassassin on 28 August 1882. Returning home on 5 October 1882, Felton was finally discharged on 26 May 1890.
As with most conflicts in the latter Victorian era, the mounted infantry played an important role being used in reconnaissance and skirmishers where they were often first to be in contact with the enemy, harassing them by galloping close to the enemy, dismounting and pouring a well aimed close range fire, then remounting and screening the enemy movements. This was no different during the Egyptian Campaign in 1882. At the Battle of Kassassin, the 70 mounted infantry formed part of General Graham’s force. These with 15 men of the 4th Dragoon Guards, were out performing their usual role in action, being Graham’s only cavalry.

‘The enemy, apparently made persistent efforts to break through the line where were stationed (between the two Infantry battalions), the ‘little band of Mounted Infantry and the detachment of the 4th Dragoon Guards’. These, according the Graham, put up a ‘gallant resistance’. The services of the Mounted Infantry, he added, ‘have been invaluable to me in the absence of a sufficient force of Cavalry.’

Of the 70 mounted infantry, 2 Officers and 5 men of were wounded. This out of a total of 69 casualties for the entire of Graham force (1205 men).This shows just how heavily involved they were. Indeed, the main cavalry force of cavalry Brigade
(detached), under Drury Lowe, who took part in the famed ‘Moonlight Charge’ incurred 27 casualties.

The Mounted Infantry roll has a query next to entitlement to clasp; originally noting ‘NO’ but with a query ‘YES?’. The regimental roll from which the medal was issued, notes entitled to clasp.  Whether Felton was actually at Tel-El-Kebir so soon after being severely wounded, is unknown.  However the medal is correctly issued with the clasp according to the roll. 1 Officer and 33 NCO’s/Men of the 3rd Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps serving with the Mounted Infantry during the 1882 campaign.

Condition some contact marks from Star resulting on naming being a little weak around 3 and 9 o’clock, otherwise VF. Sold with copy papers and rolls on CD. Additionally entitled to the SA 1877-9 medal, clasp 1879.

Advert link:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EGYPT-SUDAN-1882-MEDAL-PAIR-MOUNTED-INFANTRY-WOUNDED-ALSO-SERVED-ZULU-WAR/114717093257?hash=item1ab5abed89:g:aG0AAOSwGwFfspto

There are photographs of his military history sheet and a nice group photo that come with the medals but am unable to save them to post them on here. I wonder where his SAGS medal has gone?
Kate:D

Hi Gardner1879
I've seen that pair on ebay , it's being sold by Justin at Jager Medals , the ebay listing uses his ebay name . I did wonder the same about his SAGS , if anyone may know Andy may , he's a guru , he has or did have a database on the SAGS Medals .
90th

PS Just checked my records etc re the Medals , unfortunately no sign of Henry Felton 3/ 60th .

gardner1879 wrote:

There are photographs of his military history sheet and a nice group photo that come with the medals but am unable to save them to post them on here. I wonder where his SAGS medal has gone?

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Hi Kate

Posted the photos for you.

Hi 90th

His SAGS is not listed in my database, so I have not come across it yet.

Andy

Excellent pic Andy , well if you haven't found Felton's SAGS Medal , wonder if anyone has !?? LOLLLL
90th

Thanks Andy
Dutton has Felton on page 287 so the medal must, like the truth, be out there somewhere.
Kate

What are your feelings regarding the engraving? Is the edge thickness uniform and engraving legit?
I'm no die hard medal collector so I'd appreciate some input on this.