Description
Egypt Medal, undated reverse, 2 bars, Suakin 1885, Tofrek, 2517 Private Frederick Tugwell Rugman, 5th Royal Irish Lancers, only 1 Squadron of the 5th Lancers present at Tofrek.
Officially engraved: “2517, Pte F. Rugman, 5th Lancers.”
Confirmed on the medal roll. With copy service papers.
Only 102 medals were issued with Suakin and Tofrek clasps to the regiment, who rode alongside about 82 of the 20th Hussars to receive a similar medal as part of the Cavalry during this campaign.
Frederick Tugwell Rugman, was born in Pulborough, Petworth, Sussex circa 1864.
Having worked as a “Servant” he signed on with the 5th Lancers at Newbridge on 18th September 1883, aged 19 years 7 months.
He stated that before joining he has served “162 days in the Royal West Surreys” “See Discharge” (His papers contain a Militiaman discharge certificate, upon payment of one pound allowing him to sign on for full time service, from the Militia of the County of Surrey.)
Following his good service with the 5th Lancers earning this medal during 1885, he was promoted to Corporal on 28th May 1886.
Followed by the next year by a promotion to Lance Sergeant on 21st April 1888.
He saw the following postings:
Home, 7th September 1883 – 19th February 1885
Soudan, 20th February 1885 – 8th June 1885
Home, 8th June 1885 – 18th June 1888.
His mother was Mary Stone, of Rose Cottage, Reigate Hill Surrey.
He had been discharged early on 18th June 1888 holding the rank of Lance Sergeant, being found “Medically Unfit” for further service.
The cause must have been severer as sadly he would die soon after his discharge being buried back in Reigate, Surrey during 1889, he was only about 24 years old, due to this the medal has not seen much wear.
Colonel Way an eyewitness to the Battle of Tofrek recalls the following:
“Everything seemed to come at once, camels, transport of all kinds, including water carts, ammunition, mules, native infantry, Madras sappers, sick bearers, transport corps, Cavalry, and Arabs fighting in the midst.
All these passed close by me and wet out at the other side of the Zariba… The dust raised by this crowd was so great that I could not see anything beyond our zariba for a minute or two, and it was impossible to see who was standing or what was likely to happen. The men behaves splendidly, and stood quite still. It was about the highest test of discipline I shall ever see, as in my opinion nothing could beat it.”
