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Africa General Service Medal: CM.1137-2009

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An image of Africa General Service Medal
Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Mint: London
Ruler: Edward VII (1901-10)
Artist: Saulles, George W. de
Ruler: Edwardvs VII rex imperator (With the title of)

Entities

Categories

Description

Numerous actions in the British-controlled parts of Africa were felt to merit the award of a medal, but not a distinct one for every action. The Africa General Service Medal replaced the East and West Africa Medal which had previously been awarded for service in this theatre. Bars were awarded for a variety of small campaigns, sometimes only one expedition and sometimes rather more complex operations.
This medal was awarded for service in a small campaign against the Nandi people of modern-day Kenya, whose ruler Koitalel Arap Samoei was killed in the action, which resulted in the people's final submission to incorporation into British East Africa in 1906.
The medal was awarded to Private Kipowetch of the East African Police Force. Lester Watson purchased it from the London dealers Spink at some point before 1928.

Notes

History note: Gift of L. Hoyt Watson; ex Lester Watson Collection, bt Spink before 1928

Legal notes

Given by Lester Watson through Cambridge in America, 2009

Measurements and weight

Diameter: 36.3 mm
Weight: 39.32 g

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (2009) by Watson, Lester

Dating

1905 - 1906

Materials used in production

Silver

Techniques used in production

Struck

Inscription or legends present

Inscription present: Bust of Edward facing left

  • Text: EDWARDVS REX VII IMPERATOR
  • Location: Obverse
  • Type: Design

Inscription present: Britannia with lion gesturing right to sun on horizon

  • Location: Reverse
  • Type: Design

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: CM.1137-2009
Primary reference Number: 141231
Watson Catalogue: 20
Ordering: M-0020
Previous object number: LW.0020

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Monday 25 March 2024

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Coins and Medals

Citation for print

This record can be cited in the Harvard Bibliographic style using the text below:

The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "Africa General Service Medal" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/141231 Accessed: 2025-12-06 09:11:53

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/141231 |title=Africa General Service Medal |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2025-12-06 09:11:53|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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