Egypt and Sudan Medal 1882-1885, undated reverse, 1 Clasp: Gamaizah 1888, awarded to Private Michael Donovan, 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment, who was present out in the Sudan during the Mahdist War and was present at the Battle of Gemaizah on 20th December 1888.
Egypt and Sudan Medal 1882-1885, undated reverse, 1 Clasp: Gamaizah 1888; (1160. PTE. M. DONOVAN, 1/WELCH R.)
Condition: light contact pitting from Khedive’s Star, light edge bruising at 5 o’clock, overall Very Fine.
Michael Donovan saw service as a Private (No.1160) with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment, and was 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.