Summary
Abyssinian War Medal, 1867-1868, awarded to Stoker G. Simmons of the HMS Argus.
King Theodore of Abyssinia took to imprisoning missionaries, British subjects and even workmen he had sent for from England as the arrived. From 1867 a series of ultimatums and declarations of war were ignored until Lord Robert Napier invaded and defeated the fortress at Magdala. The King committed suicide and the prisoners were released. Two Victoria Crosses were won in the capture of Magdala - one, that won by Drummer Michael Magner, is in the collections of Museum Victoria.
HMS Argus was on duty in the Red Sea during the war.
Physical Description
A silver medal 32 mm with mount in the form of a loop attached at the top of and Imperial Crown which is attached to the top edge of the medal.
Obverse Description
A diademed bust of Queen Victoria facing left with veil, surrounded by a nine-pointed star with a letter of the word ABYSSINIA between each point; the artists names, J.S. & A.B. WYON below bust.
Reverse Description
A laurel wreath arround a circular beaded border, at the centre, G. SIMMONS STOKER H.M.S. ARGUS
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collecting Areas
Numismatics & Philately, Public Life & Institutions, Transport
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1869 AD
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Place & Date of Event
Abyssinia (Ethiopia), 1867-1868
Abyssinia Campaign was in modern day Ethiopia. -
Issued By
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Artist
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Awarded To
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Inscriptions
ABYSSINIA J.S. & A.B. WYON G. SIMMONS STOKER H.M.S. ARGUS
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Material
Silver
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
118 mm (Height), 32 mm (Outside Diameter)
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Shape
Round with loop and ribbon
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References
[Book] Joslin, E C., et al. 1988. British Battles and Medals., 145-6 Pages
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Keywords
