Afghanistan Medal

We don't know anything about Alfred's early life or family.

He joined the 63rd Regiment of Foot during the mid 19th century and was given the service number 1088.

The 63rd Regiment played a small part in the Second Afghan War of 1878-80. Alfred was with them in August 1880 when they marched from Sibi in modern Pakistan to try to relieve British forces under siege in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Another force marching south from the Afghan capital Kabul got there first so Alfred will have seen very little fighting. After the end of the war the 63rd Regiment stayed in Kandahar until the British withdrew in April 1881.

Alfred was still in the 63rd Regiment when it became the 1st Battalion of the Manchester Regiment on the 1st July 1881. They were stationed at Quetta in modern Pakistan when this happened.

The Anglo-Egyptian War broke out in June 1882 after the pro-British Khedive was deposed. Britain wanted to protect its commercial investments in Egypt, as well as the Suez Canal, which gave access to India. The 1st Battalion was sent to Egypt on the 6th September to join a larger force that had already landed. For this reason they did not see very much fighting. The war ended later that month with the British restoring the Khedive to power, but having much more control over the country.

During the Anglo-Egyptian War Alfred served as a Drummer for the 1st Battalion. We don't know whether he had also served in this role during the Afghan War.

The rest of Alfred's life remains a mystery. His medal was donated to the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in 1949.

As well as his Afghanistan Medal, Alfred was also awarded the Egypt Medal and the Khedive's Star for his Army service.