• MILITARY GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL, 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Egypt (J. Shuttleworth, 10th Foot)

 

MILITARY GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL, 1793-1840, single clasp, Egypt (J. Shuttleworth, 10th Foot), officially impressed. Old cabinet tone, minor traces of brooch mounting to reverse, otherwise nearly extremely fine. James Shuttleworth was born in Bolton, Lancashire, in 1776. Having previously worked as a Weaver, he attested to serve in the British Army at Bolton on the 10th of November, 1793, initially as a Private with the 90th (Perthshire Volunteers) Foot, which was raised new that year, then transferring to 10th (North Lincolnshire) Foot two years later in 1795, serving in Captain Kelly’s Company. The 10th Foot had been based in Bengal for some 15 months before being called in November 1800 to embark for Egypt, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Quarrell. The 10th sailed from Kidgiree on the 5th of December, joining with the expedition under Major-General Baird at Bombay, and then continued on towards the Red Sea. Whilst they were originally intended to land at Suez, an early monsoon forced a decision to land this force at Cosseir, and therefore a march through the desert to assist the main British force under General Sir Ralph Abercromby. Eight Companies of the 10th Foot endured the trying desert marches, going by way of Moilah, Baromba, Kenna, Girgee. From here they proceeded down the River Nile in djerms to the Island of Rhoda, and then on to Rosetta. Unfortunately, the other British forces had by this time defeated those of the French, thereby expelling Napoleon’s ‘Army of the East’. James Shuttleworth was discharged on the 24th of January, 1817, at the age of 41, having served as total of 23 years. The reason given for his discharge, as noted in his papers is from ‘being infirm’. Sold with copy MGS Roll mention, and other information relating to this action. Name noted incorrectly on the MGS Roll as ‘Shutterworth’. Only 57 MGS medals were awarded in total to the 10th Foot, all awarded for Egypt.