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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 32

(x) Hong Kong Plague 1894 (Lance Sergeant N. Barry, S.L.I.), very fine

N. Barry is confirmed on the role of the Egypt and Sudan Medal 1882-89 and the Khedive's Star with the service number 1442.

The role of the K.S.L.I. is well outlined by an article on the 'Soldiers of Shropshire Museum' website which states:

'Those responsible for conducting house inspections, as well as disinfecting them, became known as the Whitewash Brigade - and this is where the KSLI came into action. Due to being stationed out in Hong Kong at the time of the outbreak, KSLI volunteers sprang into action to begin supressing the disease. Amongst other things, the KSLI were responsible for spraying/fumigating houses, whitewashing walls with lime and even clearing corpses out of houses. Those having their houses inspected would be given clean clothes and their own clothes would be sent to a disinfecting station. An article from the 1939 Hong Kong Press wrote that although the job of the KSLI was "gruesome", it was "not altogether unpopular with the soldiers. Military discipline of the Barrack Square had to disappear and with a generous rum ration, given with a view to warding off infection, they carried out their strange duties with the utmost cheerfulness".'

Their job was difficult, dangerous and in some cases resulted in clashes with a largely mistrustful local community. As a reward for their service the soldiers were presented with the Hong Kong Plague medal.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£1,000 to £1,400

Starting price
£800