United Kingdom. A South Africa & Egypt Medal Group To Pte. G. Holmes, Hms Himalaya, C. 1880

South Africa Medal, in silver, rim impressed “HIMALAYA.” G. H. HOLMES. PTE. R.M. H.M.S, ornate scroll suspension bar, measures 36.15mm (w) x 44.20mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension post), weighs 34.5 grams, worn on original ribbon sewn closed at top, obverse and reverse present wear from period polishing and light contact, dark patina on medal and suspension bar, better than fair. 

Egypt medal with SUAKIN 1884 clasp, in silver, rim impressed G.H. HOLMES, PTE. R.M.L.I, measures 36.17mm (w) x 44.35mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension post), weighs 37.8 grams, worn on original ribbon sewn closed at top, heavily polished on obverse and reverse, dark patina around rims,  better than fair. 

Khedive’s Star, in bronze, measures 45.25mm (w) x 44.75mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 42.9 grams, worn on original ribbon with crescent moon and star suspension bar, ribbon worn and discoloured, obverse and reverse present wear from period polishing and contact marks on each arm, suspension ring replaced, overall fine condition.

Accompanied by a Bosun’s Whistle, composed of white metal with broad arrow marks near the hole of the buoy, attached to a long silver chain with a decorative silver pendant linked to the keel, the reverse engraved S & E. S.A GEO HOLMES. SEPT 1905, with silver hallmarks denoting Birmingham manufacture from 1902, with makers mark M&B underneath, light wear, dark patina, very fine condition; and a silver mechanical pencil engraved G.H. HOLMES, two pieces that can be compressed or expanded, measures 138.65mm (h) x 11.95mm (w at base), complete with a small piece of led, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Pte George Holmes, Royal Marines Light Infantry, served aboard the HMS Himalaya. The South Africa Medal 1877-1879 was awarded to the HMS Himalaya for it’s service between March 9-15 1978, when the ship arrived at East London with the 2/24^th foot who were ordered onto trains that took them to King Williams Town. A total of 229 men were awarded the medal on this ship, 27 of which were royal marines. Pte. Holmes served with the 2^nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry during the Anglo-Egyptian War, with the service number 601. It is believed Holmes became a boatswain in the early 1900s.