Description
Egypt Medal, 1882 reverse, 3 bars, Tel-el-Kebir, Suakin 1884, El-Teb, 3666 Private Patrick Brabazon, 3rd Bn King’s Royal Rifle Corps, rare combination, from Drogheda, Louth, Ireland.
Officially engraved: “3666 Pte P. Brabazon. 3/K. R. Rif: C.”
Confirmed on the medal roll. With copy service papers.
Would be entitled to the 1882 dated Khedive’s Star.
Good preserved condition with only slight star pitting to one side.
Private Brabazon received an unusual Egyptian War Medal, he first took part in the initial war earning the medal with 1882 dated reverse, alongside the Tel-el-Kebir clasp for the Battle of Tel El Kebir on 13th September 1882.
He remained in the country, to take part in the further Suakin 1884 operations earning another clasp, as well as his last battle, the Battle of El-Teb which was fought twice during February 1884.
Notably he did not take part in the upcoming Battle of Tamaai, receiving the unusual “El-Teb” clasp only.
Patrick Brabazon was born in Drogheda, Leith, Ireland, just north of Dublin, into a Roman Catholic family.
Before joining up he is likely the 17 year old Patrick Brabazon who stole a jacket and was imprisoned at Kilmainham Jail in Dublin from March to June 1877.
On 24th March 1879, aged 20, he signed on at Winchester with the 60th Rifles.
He joined 1st 60th on 16th April 1879 followed by 3rd 60th on 1st March 1881.
He saw the following postings:
“Home 11th March 1879 – 27th February 1881
Africa, 28th February 1881 – 22nd February 1882 (South Africa, stationed at Natal)
Malta, 23rd February 1882 – 17th July 1882
Egypt, 18th July 1882 – 16th July 1884
Cyprus, 17th July 1884 – 5th October 1885
Home, 5th October 1885 – 10th March 1891.”
His campaigns fought are noted as: “Egypt 1882, Eastern Soudan 1884”
Medals earned: “Egyptian 1882 & Clasps Tel El Kebir, Suakin 1884, El-Teb, Khedive’s Bronze Star.”
Far from a model soldier his character on discharge to the reserve was recorded as: “Indifferent, addicted to Drink and absence”.
