Description Egypt Medal, dated 1882, bar The Nile 1884-5, Kirbekan, 2061 Private W. Bourne, 1st Bn South Staffordshire Regiment. Officially engraved: “2061 Pte W. Bourne. 1/S. Staff: R.” Confirmed on the medal roll, with copy service papers. An interesting combination as he originally earned the 1882 reverse dated version of the medal for the original campaign without any clasps, later adding the entitlement to the 2 clasps for additional service in the 1884-85 Nile Campaign including service at the Battle of Kirbekan. William Bourne was born in Burslem, Staffordshire circa 1857. He attested for service on 19th July 1879 in the 38th (1st Staffordshire) Regiment on 15th July 1879, transferring to the 80th (Staffordshire Volunteers) on 18th August 1880. He had previously served with the 3rd King’s Own Stafford Militia before his discharge by purchase on 5th March 1878. He saw the following postings: Home, 15th July 1879 – 28th August 1882 Egypt, 29th August 1882 – 15th May 1883 Malta, 16th May 1883 – He was transferred over to the Army Reserve after return back home, on 10th October 1885. Following 6 further years of service in the Reserve, he was fully discharged on 14th July 1891.
