air: Private J. Ryan, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (1519 Pte. J. Ryan. 2/D of C. L. I.), Khedive's Star 1882,
Condition pitting to first from star, light edge wear to unit, overall very fine
Note: a group photograph of men of the D.C.L.I. who served in the Anglo-Egyptian War available in the Royal Collection lists a Private Ryan amongst them, it should be noted that the roll lists four men of that surname.
John Ryan appears on Regimental Muster Rolls and Pay Lists as stationed at Gibraltar in 1881, just prior to the Anglo-Egyptian War. The Regiment landed at Alexandria with the rest of General Wolsey's men and were initially part of the probing attack towards Urabi's defensive line at Kafre El Dawwar. However, they did not remain in the holding position established there but joined Wolsey's great flanking manoeuvre which brought them to Tel-El-Kebir.
They were behind the Highland Brigade on the British left during the battle, however the Battalion soon saw action when the Highland Light Infantry were unable to force the Egyptian fortifications. It was not until they were reinforced by the D.C.L.I. that they were able to battle their way through and complete the British victory; sold together with copied research including a copied photograph, possibly including the recipient.
