An Outstanding Battle of Kirbekan DCM group to SGT Tweedie 1 Royal Highlanders who killed six of the enemy one after the other

VR Distinguished Conduct Medal, correctly engraved 2198. Cr Sergt. J. Tweedie. 1/Rl Highrs. 10th Febr. 1885.

Egypt Medal 1882, 5 bars, Tel – El -Kebir, Suakin 1884, El -Teb_Tamaai, The Nile 1884-85 and Kirbekan. Correctly engraved 2294. Sergt J. Tweedie. 1/R. Hrs

Khedives Star 1882, unnamed as issued.

Condition GVF

All Medals and bars confirmed on the roll and in service papers.

James Tweedie was born in Glencairn, Scotland in 1851. He attested at Newcastle Upon Tyne on the 24^th of November 1870 aged 19, he gave his occupation as Labourer. Tweedie became a member of the 73^rd Regiment of Foot. The 73^rd amalgamated with the 42^nd regiment of Foot in 1881, and together formed the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) in 1881 under Childers Reforms.

Overall, Tweedie served for 25 years and 143 days, he had a number of periods of service and the following service numbers, 1837, 2353, 2294 and 2198. Each number is confirmed in his service papers.

During the Anglo – Egyptian War of 1882 and subsequent operations in the Sudan, Tweddie served for a total of 3 years and 266 days with ‘A’ Coy the 1^st Bn . He was awarded the Egypt Medal with bars Tel – El -Kebir, Suakin 1884, El -Teb_Tamaai, The Nile 1884-85 and Kirbekan. He distinguished himself at The Battle of Kirbekan on the 10^th of February 1885 and was awarded the DCM.

An account given by an officer present and published in the Cheltenham Mercury on Saturday the 14^th of March 1885, states;

‘Colour – Sergeant Tweedie of ‘A’ Coy, killed six of the enemy, one after the other’

The Dundee Evening Telegraph on Tuesday the 6^th of October 1885, gives further insight into his award;

‘Sergeant-Major James Tweedie, of Dumfries, for ably directing the fire of his section and himself at The Battle of Kirbekan

James was discharged on the 14^th of April 1896.