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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 91

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (2009. Pte. E. Brewer. 2. Bn. 23. R.W.Fus: 1873-74), light edge bruise, very fine

A total of 302 Coomassie clasps were issued to the Regiment.

Edward Brewer was born near Andover, Hampshire in 1851 and enlisted with the 23rd (Royal Welch Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot at Chatham on 11 October 1870. He was still there the following year and in 1873 was posted with his Regiment to the Gold Coast for service in the Ashantee Campaign, The Times refers to their service stating:

'On the 15th of January, a picked hundred of the 23rd Welsh Fusiliers under Colonel Mostyn started for the front and were in for the taking and burning of King Kofi's town. A week later, this party, esteemed so fortunate by their comrades, were followed by 200 more, commanded by Major Millett. These 200 Fusiliers only got within 30 miles of Coomassie, but performed the most important service of securing Sir Garnet Wolseley's communications at a critical time.'

During this time however Brewer became ill with what proved afterwards to be Tuberculosis, he was invalided from service as fit for nothing more than light duties. It seems unlikely that Brewer lived much longer after his discharge, his pension papers stating 'his recovery is very uncertain'. He did however live long enough to claim his medal at Gibraltar.

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Sold for
£280

Starting price
£130