ABYSSINIAN WAR
In January 1864 Theodore "The Negus," or Emperor of Abyssinia, fancying himself insulted by the British Government, imprisoned the British Consul, Captain Cameron, together with the Europeans resident in his territory. Mr. Hormuzd Rassam, with Lieutenant Prideaux and Dr. Blane, was sent by the British Government to obtain the release of the prisoners, but they also were incarcerated, and it ultimately became necessary to send an expedition to secure the release of the prisoners. The Resident at Aden, Colonel Merewether, commanding a reconnoitring party, landed at Mulkutto in Annesley Bay, where he established a base, and, entering into friendly relationship with the local chiefs and tribesmen, prepared the way for the army which under Sir Robert Napier was to march on Magdala and effect the release of the captives.
The force at the command of Sir Robert was about 4,000 British and 8,000 Indian troops, with a transport service and camp followers numbering about 14,000. How splendidly this mass of men was organised, and led with remarkable rapidity across a most difficult country, was a military feat reflecting the greatest credit upon the Indian veteran, who was rewarded with the peerage of Magdala. With this intrepid warrior they had, on scant rations, and each soldier carrying accoutrements, etc., weighing 55 lb., scaled "mountains and descended precipices ... traversed along the face of deep ravines, where a false step was death!" scorched by the intense sun by day, and chilled to the bone by the cold night air. But the valley of Bachelo was reached; the three brigades formed into one, and then the fighting commenced, when, after descending 3,800 feet, the army attempted to ascend the other side of the ravine, but the 4th with their Sniders—in use for the first time in warfare—and the Rocket Battery of the Naval Brigade, did excellent service; and one body of the enemy being disposed of, the other, amounting to about 5,000 men who made a rush at those in charge of the convoy, was practically decimated by the fire from the battery under Colonel Penn and the Sniders of the infantry. It is said that in one hour each man had discharged ninety rounds of ammunition! Then the guns and rockets were directed upon Magdala, the capital standing 9,000 feet above sea-level. Theodore made overtures for peace, released the captives, and sent a present of sheep and cattle in token of submission; but the fortress was stormed on Easter Monday, April 13th, 1867, the 33rd with the Engineers leading the way, with the 45th in support. The fortress taken, it was discovered that Theodore—deserted by his men—had committed suicide. The fortifications having been destroyed and the huts burned, the troops returned to Mulkutto, and before the end of June 1867 the British force had left Africa.
The following troops were engaged: 4th, 26th, 33rd, 45th; Royal Artillery and Engineers; 3rd Dragoon Guards, and the following Indian regiments: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 10th, 18th, 21st, 25th, and 27th Bombay Infantry; Bombay and Madras Sappers and Miners; 3rd Bombay Cavalry; 10th and 12th Bengal Cavalry; Scinde Horse and a Naval Brigade (see Naval Section).
Abyssinia Medal.—By a general order dated March 1st, 1869, a medal was granted to all Her Majesty's British and Indian forces, naval and military, who took part in the operations in Abyssinia under Sir Robert Napier between October 4th, 1867, and April 19th, 1868. This is a very distinctive silver medal, being considerably smaller than the others issued. On the obverse, within a beaded circle, is the bust of Queen Victoria facing left, crowned and veiled, encircled by a star of nine points with the letters of the word ABYSSINIA between the angles. The portrait of the Queen is similar to that on the New Zealand medal. On the reverse, within a beaded circle surrounded by a wreath of laurel tied at the base, the recipient's name, rank, and regiment or ship are stamped in relief in the centre. The Indian troops had their names and regiments generally engraved, but I have several in my possession with the names stamped in relief, and also in intaglio. The medal is suspended from a silver swivel ring attached to a crown soldered on to the top of the medal, which is 1¼ in. in diameter, by means of 1½ in. wide ribbon of red, with broad white borders.
ASHANTEE, 1873-4
There had been troubles on the Hinterland and in the West Coast settlements as far back as 1824 and 1826, and again in 1863; but the more serious outbreak of hostilities occurred in 1873, when the Ashantees crossed the River Prah, and, attacking the Assims and Fantees, opened a road for themselves to Elmina and Cape Coast Castle, and in company with the Elminas attempted to capture Fort Elmina, but were beaten off. A force of 20,000 Ashantees, however, sat down before Mampon, 10 miles from the British forts, and there they remained until the advent of Sir Garnet (afterwards Viscount) Wolseley in October 1874, when they abandoned their camp, and fell back behind the Prah. A small force was sent to Elmina to disperse the natives, which it did, while the main force, composed of the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the 42nd Black Watch, and 2nd 60th Rifles, pressed forward over the Prah—which the Ashantees asserted no white man could cross—over the Adansi Hills, and across the Bahrein River on to Amoaful, where 20,000 Ashantees under General Amanquatia stubbornly fought for five hours before giving way, and then desultory fighting continued for at least six hours more before the enemy actually retreated, having lost their General and considerably over 2,000 men. In this stubborn fight the 42nd, which had led the attack, and repeatedly charged the enemy, lost Major Baird, who was mortally wounded, and had 7 officers and 104 men placed hors de combat by wounds.
BRONZE STAR FOR ASHANTI, 1896.