Egypt War Medal 1882-89

Obverse: Head of Queen Victoria in a diadem and veil (left) Legend: 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. Reverse: the sphinx on an ornamental platform. Legend: 'EGYPT'. Exergue: '1882'. Bar: 'ALEXANDRIA 11TH JULY'. Inscription on edge: 'CAPT: J.A.FISHER. C.B. R.N. H.M.S.INFLEXIBLE'. Suspended from a clasp and blue ribbon with two white stripes. Mounted on a bar with six others.

John Arbuthnot Fisher (1841-1920) was captain of the ‘Inflexible’ during the bombardment of Alexandria at the start of the Anglo-Egyptian War. He was gazetted for his part in this action. British fire was directed at the forts protecting the harbour, but considerable damage was also done to Alexandria itself. Fisher commanded the naval brigade which landed to maintain control of the city and prevent looting. The naval force also protected the Khedive, who ruled Egypt on behalf of the Ottomans and was supported by the British against Egyptian nationalist insurgents. With A K Wilson, Fisher then improvised an armoured train, reinforced with sheets of steel found in a railway yard. He used it to reconnoitre and extend British control along the coast. While on shore he contracted dysentery and malaria and was ordered to return to Britain.