Medalet commemorating the departure of NSW troops to the Soudan, 1885

Gilded copper medalet showing the portrait bust of General Gordon on the obverse and on the reverse the words 'TO COMMEMORATE THE DEPARTURE OF THE N.S.W. TROOPS TO THE SOUDAN MAR-3-85' within an octagonal border. Associated with the service of Private Barff Tucker, a member of the New South Wales Contingent to the Soudan. The medalet is suspended from a piece of blue silk ribbon attached to a further upper suspender with a pin back.

Associated with the service of 283 Private Barff Tucker with A Company, Infantry, of the New South Wales Contingent sent to the Sudan in 1885. Tucker was born in Bathurst in 1861 and had already served with the 3rd Regiment New South Wales Volunteer Infantry, which was based at Bathurst. On enlistment he stated that he was a carpenter, 23 years old and single. He was also an enthusiastic footballer and the members of his club presented him with a gold ring on his departure for The Sudan. Tucker was presented with his Egypt Medal at a parade for the Sudan veterans held in Sydney in February 1886. After his service he returned to live in Bathurst and later joined the Prisons Department, working at Bathurst Gaol and received an Imperial Service Medal for his work there. He died in 1951, aged 90.