NAM.2013-04-17-13

Miniature Africa General Service Medal of Bt Col Sir James Willcocks, 1902-56. Bt Col James Willcocks commanded the Ashanti field force for the relief of Kumasi in 1899-1900. He later commanded the Indian Army Expeditionary Force A in France from September 1914 to September 1915. This medal is suspended from a yellow ribbon with black edges and two thin green stripes, connected via a bar suspender. The obverse features the effigy of King Edward VII facing left and wearing no crown. Inscribed along the circumference are the words 'EDWARDVS REX IMPERATOR'. The reverse illustrates the helmeted figure of Britannia standing and holding a trident and a palm leaf. Behind her is a lion facing right and in the background, the sun sets over the sea. Beneath this scene the word 'AFRICA' is inscribed. This medal group is suspended on a bar of 20 with a brooch fitting. The reverse of the medal bar features a red felt backing with a label stitched in at the lower centre reading 'SPINK&SON LTD 17&18, PICCADILLY, W. / TO THE KING'. From a miniature medal group awarded to General Sir James Willcocks, GCB, GCMG, KCSI, DSO (1857-1926), 1882-1920.

Kumasi, Siege of, 1900 (5th Ashanti War 1900-1901)