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Egypt

Egypt, undated, 2 bars, The Nile 1884-5, Abu Klea, 2nd Class Staff Sergeant Patrick O’Malley DCM, 9th Company, Commissariat & Transport Corps. Sgt O’Malley was serving with the Desert Column as…

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SKU: J3822 Category:
Origin: United Kingdom
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Egypt, undated, 2 bars, The Nile 1884-5, Abu Klea, 2nd Class Staff Sergeant Patrick O’Malley DCM, 9th Company, Commissariat & Transport Corps.

 

Sgt O’Malley was serving with the Desert Column as a member of No. 9 Company during the Nile Expedition.

 

At the battle of Abu Klea he assisted in defence of the Zareba, which contained the sick, wounded and stores. Seeing an officer fall wounded outside the Zareba, he ran out to rescue him amongst a hail of enemy fire, and later exposed himself again to enemy fire in order to recover rifles.

 

“Cool and businesslike under fire and at those periods of worry and confusion that are most unavoidable with native transport when quick work is required in the presence of the enemy.”

 

For his distinguished service in the campaign he was promoted to Honorary lieutenant and Quartermaster in June 1885, but died only 9 years later.
At least three Conductors were also granted Commissions for their service in the Nile Expedition, and Lord Wolseley specifically mentioned Ten Officers, Four Quartermasters, one conductor and a Staff Sergeant as ‘Deserving of Special mention’ in his final despatch.