Egypt Medal

Description

Egypt Medal

Eligibility

The Egypt Medal was awarded to British and colonial forces who served during the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882 and subsequent campaigns in Egypt and the Sudan from 1882 to 1889. It was issued to army, navy, and support personnel who took part in military operations, including the Suakin Expedition of 1885.

Design

The medal is circular and made of silver. The obverse features the veiled effigy of Queen Victoria with the inscription “VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX”. The reverse shows a sphinx on a pedestal with the word “EGYPT” above. Clasps were issued for specific campaigns, such as “SUAKIN 1885”, as seen in the image. Recipient details were engraved on the rim. Replicas are marked with the word “COPY”.

Ribbon

The ribbon is alternating dark blue and white vertical stripes. The pattern reflects the colours associated with naval and military service in the region. Clasps indicating battle honours were attached to the ribbon bar.

Symbolism

The Egypt Medal represents recognition of campaign service during Britain’s military involvement in North Africa. It honours those who endured harsh desert conditions and combat in one of the 19th century’s most demanding theatres of war.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Medal history and eligibility Read the full guide to the Egypt Medal: its history, who is eligible, and where it sits in the order of wear.

Egypt Medal: mounting options explained

Every replica medal can be supplied loose or mounted ready to wear. Here's how the options differ, so you can choose the right one.

Court mounted Required for serving ADF members

The medals are fixed to a stiff backing board so they sit flat and stay in line while worn. It's the neatest presentation, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force are required to wear their medals court mounted.

Swing mounted Traditional style

Each medal hangs freely from its ribbon below a top bar. This was the usual style from the Boer War through to World War II, and there are no fixed rules about who can wear it.

Ribbon bar For everyday uniform wear

Just the ribbons, mounted in order of precedence on a small bar. Ribbon bars are worn on uniform day to day, when full medals would be impractical.

Unmounted Medal and ribbon supplied separately

The medal and ribbon come as separate parts, ready for you or your mounter to assemble. Full size medals come with 30cm of ribbon and miniatures with 15cm.

Full size or miniature?

Miniatures are mounted the same way at a smaller scale. They're worn at evening and formal events, generally anything after 6pm such as dinners, where full size medals would be impractical.

Pin or magnetic?

Every style comes with a traditional pin or a magnetic fitting. Magnetic mounts hold firmly without putting holes in your jacket or uniform, and are easier to put on and take off, which helps anyone with limited dexterity.