Description
Eypgt Medal, undated, 2 bars, Suakin 1885, Tofrek, 1797 Private Henry Morgan, 1st Bn Berkshire Regiment, Welshman from Monmouth.
In recognition of their gallant conduct at the Battle of Tofrek, the Berkshire Regiment became the “Royal Berkshire Regiment”, and had their facings changed from white to blue, the Royal facings by Queen Victoria.
Officially engraved: “1797 Pte H. Morgan. 1/Berks: R:”
Confirmed on the medal roll.
Particularly well preserved condition as discharged as soon he got home, as such there is little of the typical bronze star pitting.
With copy service papers.
Henry Morgan was born in Pontypool, Monmouthshire, during 1858.
At the age of 19, working as a Boiler Maker, he enlisted into the 41st Brigade on 2nd September 1879. He noted that he served in the Militia in Monmouth prior to full time enlistment.
His service papers contain his Militia discharge request, as 6618 Sapper Henry Morgan, Royal Monmouth Engineers, having enlisted on 22nd January 1877 and being allowed his discharge to sign on for the Regular Forces.
He saw the following postings:
Home, 30th August 1879 – 7th March 1881
Gibraltar, 8th March 1881 – 6th October 1881
Home, 7th October 1881 – 30th January 1883
Egypt, 31st January 1883 – 11th May 1883
Gibraltar, 12th May 1883 – 20th August 1884
Egypt, 21st August 1884 – 23th September 1885
Home, 24th September 1885 – 10th November 1885.
Next of kin noted as his Brother David in Newbury, Monmouth.
Following his service in the campaign, he was found unfit for further service and discharged at Netley Hospital.
The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum aka “The Wardrobe” has an article on the services of the Berks at Tofrek:
