Egypt Medal clasps Suakin 1884, El-Teb_Tamaai (2462 PTE. W. WILLIAMS. 3/K.R.RIF:C.); Khedive's Star 1882 - reverse engraved W.W. 3 K.R.R. 2462.
William Williams fought at Tamai on 13th March 1884 - The battle of Tamai occurred during the Suakin Campaign of 1884 led by General Sir Gerald Graham. The 3rd battalion KRRC were represented in Graham's force by a detachment of 30 men in the Mounted Infantry company. They were commanded by Lieutenant Percy Marling who won a VC at this battle. The British advanced in two squares to engage the dervishes who were hidden in a ravine. Marling's KRRC division were sent forward to reconnoitre and were joined by Lt Thornton's Royal Sussex MI division. They found themselves in difficulties with a large group of the enemy closing in on them. One of the squares was broken into by the dervishes.
The mounted Infantry fired on the enemy who had gained entry to the square and they were forced to retire. With the aid of Naval machine guns the enemy were driven back and retreated towards the hills beyond Tamai. They were pursued by the cavalry.
The medal roll (which is included) indicates that Williams may well have been awarded the El Teb clasp but an asterisk appears next to his name which could indicate otherwise.
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