Egypt Medal (1801) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Egypt Medal |
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Obverse of the medal depicted on a cigarette card
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| Type | Campaign medal |
| Eligibility | EIC and British forces |
| Awarded for | Campaign service |
| Campaign(s) | Egypt, 1801 |
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| Established | 1802 (distributed from 1811) |
 Suspension cord for the medal |
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The Egypt Medal was a special award given to soldiers. It was like a prize for their bravery. This medal was for troops from India. They went to Egypt in 1801. This trip was part of a big war. It was called the French Revolutionary Wars. The soldiers helped fight the French army in Egypt. The Governor-General of India gave out these medals.
Who Earned the Egypt Medal?
Soldiers from India's Expedition
The Egypt Medal was given to soldiers from Major General Baird's group. This group included soldiers from the East India Company (EIC). It also had soldiers from the British Army. They sailed from a city called Bombay in March 1801. Their mission was to fight the French in Egypt.
Key Battles and Return Home
These soldiers were part of important battles. They helped win the siege of Cairo in June. They also helped win the siege of Alexandria later that year. After these victories, the group went back to India. This happened in early 1802.
When Medals Were Given Out
The medal was approved in July 1802. This was by Marquess Wellesley. He was the Governor-General of India. But the medals were not ready right away. They were finally given out starting in 1811.
Gold and Silver Medals
Some soldiers received gold medals. These were for senior officers from Bengal. Only 16 gold medals were given. Other soldiers from Bengal received silver medals. About 760 of these were awarded. All soldiers from the Bombay group received silver medals. There were about 1,439 of these.
Who Did Not Get a Medal?
Only soldiers who sailed from India with General Baird's group could get the medal. This included those who did not even reach Egypt. But others were not allowed to have one. For example, soldiers from the 61st Foot joined the group in Egypt. They came from the Cape of Good Hope. They were not eligible for this medal.
However, many years later, in 1850, other medals were created. These were the Military or Naval General Service Medal. Soldiers and sailors who fought in Egypt but did not get the Egypt Medal could then get one of these new medals. They would have a special bar that said Egypt.
What the Medal Looked Like
How the Medals Were Made
The Egypt Medal was made in India. It was created at the Calcutta Mint. They made both gold and silver medals. Both types were about 1.9 inches (48 mm) wide.
The Front of the Medal (Obverse)
The front of the medal is called the obverse. It shows a sepoy. A sepoy was an Indian soldier. He is holding a Union Jack. This is the flag of the United Kingdom. In the background, you can see a military camp. Below this picture, there is writing in the Persian language. It says: This medal has been presented in commemoration of the defeat of the French armies in the Kingdom of Egypt by the great bravery of the victorious army of England.
The Back of the Medal (Reverse)
The back of the medal is called the reverse. It shows a large warship. This ship is sailing towards the coast of Egypt. In the background, you can see an obelisk and four pyramids. These are famous Egyptian landmarks. At the very bottom, it has the date MDCCCI. This is 1801 in Roman numerals.
Wearing the Medal
The medals were given out without names on them. Each medal had a flat loop at the top. A yellow cord went through this loop. This allowed soldiers to wear the medal around their neck.
