Description
Ashantee Medal 1873-4, bar Coomassie, 725 Private David Purvis, 42nd Highlanders, The Black Watch or Royal Highlanders, edge dated 1873-4.
Officially engraved: “725 Pte D. Purvis, 42nd Highds 1873-4.”
Confirmed on the Medal Roll for the medal and clasp. Which further notes he was stationed at Malta when the roll was compiled.
With copy service papers.
Private David Purvis saw service in the Third Ashanti War of 1873-4, where the famous Black Watch saw much action against the Ashanti Empire, in what is now known as Ghana.
During the campaign they fought gallant at the Battle of Amoaful and then Ordashu, where they left with a Victoria Cross.
They were given a grand return fresh off the boat when they returned back home.
Many had read in the newspapers of their services especially when, during the Battle of Amoaful, Samuel McGaw, Lance Sergeant of the 42nd Highlanders earned his Victoria Cross:
“On 21st January 1874 at the Battle of Amoaful, Ashanti (Now Ghana), Lance Sergeant McGaw led his section through the bush in a most excellent manner and continued to do so throughout the day, although badly wounded early in the engagement.”
David Purvis was a long serving soldier of the Black Watch who served from 1859 until 1879.
David Purvis or “Purves”, was born in Greenside, Edinburgh, joined the 42nd Highlanders on 1st June 1859, aged 18, having worked as a Blacksmith.
“His conduct has been very good he is in possession of 4 good conduct badges, in possession of Ashanti Medal with clasp for Coomassie.”
“His name appears six times in the regimental defaulters book, he has been once tried by court martial.”
With his discharge he returned home to Scotland, intending to reside in Stirling.
His medical report notes that the extensive military service had caught up to him, “General Debility” as it was referred to.
“In respect of long military service and exposure to climate in India, the Gold Coast and the Mediterranean.”
Out of his 19 years 136 days of service, he had done about 12 years service overseas consisting of:
“East Indies, 7 Years 8 Months
Gold Coast, West Africa, 4 months
Malta, 3 years 8 Months.
Cyprus, 3 months.
Additional, 23 days to date of disembarkation.”
He is traced on the 1861 Army Census as serving with his regiment in Agra India.
He is then noted in 1871 with the 42nd at Aldershot, prior to the Ashanti War.
According to the discharge books, 725 Private David Purvis was finally discharged from service on the 2nd April 1879, holding a character of “Very Good” and 4 Good Conduct Badges.
He was invalided out of the Army after 19 years 335 days, officially being discharged on 5th May 1879.
