An interesting Egyptian War Battle of Gemaizah, India Relief of Chitral operations and Punjab Frontier operations with the Tirah Field Force, Long Service and Good Conduct group awarded to Quarter Master Sergeant D. MacFarlane, 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers who would see serving during the Egyptian War at the Battle of Gemaizah on 20th December 188 before later taking part in the operations leading to the relief of Chitral which lasted from 7th March to 15th August 1895, and later went on to partake in the operations on the Punjab Frontier including operations with the Tirah Field Force during 1897 to 1898, when it distinguished itself in action at the taking of the Dargai Heights on 20th October 1897. He would be awarded the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on the 13th September 1898.
Group of 4: Egypt Medal 1882-1889, no reverse, 1 Clasp: Gemaizah 1888; (2514 SERGT. D. MACFARLANE. 2/K:O:S:BORD.) India General Service Medal 1895-1902, 3 Clasps: Relief of Chitral 1895, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98; (3228 Color Sergt. D. Macfarlane. 2d Bn. K.o. Scottish Borderers.) Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, VR, (3228 Q:M:Sgt D. MACFARLANE. K:O:S.BDRS.) Khedive’s Star, undated.
Condition: Good Very Fine
Daniel MacFarlane was born in Creiff, Perthshire and joined the 1st/25th Regiment of Foot – King’s Own Scottish Borderers at Devonport on 18th February 1880, initially serving at home, before transferring to Gibraltar on 3rd February 1888, he would remain here until 21st June 1888, when he would move back home. He would travel to Egypt on 19th July 1888.
He would then be present out in the Sudan during the Mahdist War and was present at the Battle of Gemaizah on 20th December 1888. This action is also known as the Battle of Suakin. The Mahdist force, under Osman Digna, had advanced on Suakin with an intention to invest it. From Suakin, General Grenfell launched a sortie against the Mahdists who were attempting to capture the Water Forts. After one and a half hours of fighting, the casualties were 12 on the Anglo- Egyptian side and 1,000 on the side of the Mahdists. After this, the Mahdists withdrew, removing any threat to Suakin.
He would go on to see service in India for a period of 11 years and 58 days, and would go on to serve on the frontier during the operations leading to the relief of Chitral which lasted from 7th March to 15th August 1895, and later went on to partake in the operations on the Punjab Frontier including operations with the Tirah Field Force during 1897 to 1898, when it distinguished itself in action at the taking of the Dargai Heights on 20th October 1897.
MacFarlane would receive his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on the 13th September 1898, and would leave India on 1st March 1901 before being discharged at Gosport on 21st March 1901, his conduct being given as exemplary.
