Egypt Medal 1882-1889 : Private W E Learoyd, New South Wales Ambulance Corps, Sudan Contingent

Egypt Medal 1882 -1889 with clasp 'SUAKIN 1885'. Engraved around edge with recipient's details.

Awarded to 16 Private William Edward Learoyd for his service with the New South Wales Contingent to the Sudan in 1885, as a member of the Ambulance Corps. Learoyd, born in Launceston, Tasmania, in 1854, was working as a builder at Liverpool, NSW, when he enlisted. He, and two other men, Privates Walter Harrison and Charles Downey received minor wounds in action on 3 April 1885, during the advance to Tamai. During the Boer War Learoyd again enlisted for service, as a private with the service number 419, in the Second Contingent of the New South Wales Army Medical Corps. The contingent sailed from Sydney on 17 January 1900. Learoyd was invalided to Australia in July, arriving on 30 August. Claims that he was a sergeant in the Boer War cannot be substantiated. Learoyd later became an alderman on the Liverpool Council. At least three of his sons served in the First World War.