PRIVATE J.M. HALE, 53RD FOOT AND 1ST BATTALION KING’S SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY. Two: Egypt Medal 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885

PRIVATE J.M. HALE, 53RD FOOT AND 1ST BATTALION KING’S SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY. Two: Egypt Medal 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (officially engraved naming: 1 (.. .. .) HALE. 1/SHROPS (.. ..)) Khedives Star 1882 (unnamed, as issued). Suspender on Egypt Medal slack, Egypt Medal worn from much contact with the Star, naming indistinct at beginning and end, as indicated, Fine, one tip of Star much worn from contact with Egypt Medal, otherwise Good Fine to Almost Very Fine.

With photocopied medal rolls (3). Private Hale earned his Egypt Medal for the campaign of 1882 and the Suakin clasp for the campaign of 1884-85.

Group also accompanied by 6 pages of photocopied service papers. James Matthew Hale was born in the parish of St Lukes, London (Middlesex) and enlisted into the 53rd Foot at Manchester on 24/3/1880. At time of enlistment he was 22 years of age and gave his trade as that of barman. Hale never rose above the rank of Private, continuing to serve with the 53rd Foot after 1881, when it became the 1st Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, and was eventually discharged on 21/3/1892, after 12 years service with the colours. Service papers confirm service in Egypt from 10/8/1882 to 18/2/1883 and at Suakin from 27/2/1885 to 19/4/1886, and give next of kin as his mother, Ellen Hale, 13 Tabernacle Street, City Road, London.