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Auction: 26002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 206

A rare ‘Aro Expedition’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Colour Sergeant C. Crowley, Royal Munster Fusiliers, attached Southern Nigeria Regiment, West African Frontier Force, who was further 'mentioned' and wounded in a fierce running battle which saw the British 'repeatedly charge the enemy' in an effort to drive them off

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (Clr-: Serjt: C. Crowley. S. Nigeria Regt.); Ashanti 1900 (Sgt. C. Crowley. W.A.F.F.), high relief bust; Africa General Service 1902-56, 2 clasps, Aro 1901-1902, S. Nigeria 1902-03 (Clr-:Serjt: C. Crowley. S. Nigeria Regt.); Coronation 1902, bronze, the three named medals officially impressed, together with a Royal Munster Fusiliers cap badge, heavy contact marks, therefore nearly very fine (4)

Provenance:
Ex-Warwick Cary Collection.

D.C.M. London Gazette 12 September 1902, the original citation states:

'In recognition of gallant conduct during the Aro Expedition'.

7 D.C.M.s awarded for the Aro Expedition - 4 to British N.C.O.s and 3 to Native Officers.

Cornelius Crowley was born in 1869 in County Cork, Ireland. Stating himself to be a labourer and already belonging to the 9th Battalion, King's Royal Rifles, he attested for the Royal Munster Fusiliers at Tralee on 19 August 1887. Promoted Sergeant on 8 September 1893, he re-engaged for the Royal Munster Fusiliers at Dum-Dum on the 25 August 1897 for such term as shall complete 21 years service.

Crowley was selected for service with the Ashanti Field Force on 5 September 1900 and was posted to join the West Africa Frontier Force. Next attached to the Southern Nigeria Regiment, W.A.F.F., he served in 1901-02 in Southern Nigeria, with the Aro Expedition, in No. 3 Column under the command of Major W. C. G. Heneker, Connaught Rangers. One of the punitive columns sent to confront the Aro Confederation, a nation whose primary business of slavery saw them attacking British allies in the region.

Later falling under the command of Captain Venour, Crowley served with him in Orum country, seeing heavy fighting in the subjugation of the enemy including taking the village of Oruaquan. The expedition captured and burned The Long Juju of Arochukwu, the main religious centre for the Aro Confederation. However in January 1902, whilst serving in the rearguard, Venour's column were the victims of a surprise attack.

The report on the engagement provides an exciting narrative on the following action, stating:

'He had hardly got clear of the town of Ekoterkt when he was attacked in force and from this town to the village of Ikot-N'Yang he was fighting all the way. The enemy attacked at close quarters, concealing themselves behind the thick bush lining the various market-places and pouring in a heavy fire as the troops came into the open. Captain Venour had to repeatedly charge the enemy; these charges were led by Captains Venour and Gillman and the men responded most gallant.'

A newspaper article provides further details of their the situation, stating:

'Meanwhile, Venour, with No. 3 Column, was coming along from Big Ikpa. Up to January 21 he had no fighting, and collected a large number of surrendered guns. On the 22nd, however, his camp at Aka was attacked during the night, the enemy being repulsed on the North and North-west by Maxim fire. They then essayed the Western flank. Here Lieutenant Halfpenny crawled out, and, having located the foe, ran the millimetre gun out 200 yards, and poured case and shrapnel into them, occasioning heavy loss. Opposition after this was slight, and by the 29th Venour had 2800 guns. On February 8 he sent his baggage, &c., under escort to our camp at Azumini, remaining at Ekoteret with half a company, to give the people time to surrender guns. On leaving he was hotly attacked all along the road, the enemy being driven back by frequent charges led by himself and Captain Gillman. Venour and Sergeant Crowley were wounded, and seven native soldiers. The total number of guns captured and surrendered to No. 3 Column was 3140. Thus, the second stage of the Campaign was closed, and the third commenced.
The total casualties suffered by the Field Force up to date are-Europeans, ten wounded; soldiers, &c., 161 killed and wounded.'

Despite a wound to the thigh Crowley was able to survive the encounter. An enclosure within Commissioner Moor's Aro despatch given by Lieutenant-Colonel A. F. Montanaro, providing more of the military particulars of the expedition, brings to notice Crowley's endeavours during the expedition: 'Colour Sergeant C. Crowley, Infantry Battalion, Southern Nigeria Regiment, West African Frontier Force. Did general excellent work.'

Following the Aro Expedition, Crowley saw further active service in Southern Nigeria in 1902-03 in assorted punitive operations against local tribesmen which took place again under the command of Colonels Heneker and Montanaro (clasp). Completing his service in West Africa, he returned to the Royal Munster Fusiliers Regimental Depot on 20 August 1903, serving with the 2nd and 5th Battalions until discharged on 25 June 1906; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£4,000 to £6,000

Starting price
£3500