Obverse, a bust of King Edward VII |
Reverse, Britannia with lion gesturing right to sun on horizon |
Numerous actions in the British-controlled parts of Africa were felt to merit the award of a medal, but not a distinct one for every action. The Africa General Service Medal replaced the East and West Africa Medal which had previously been awarded for service in this theatre. The various bars on this example were awarded for a variety of small campaigns, sometimes only one expedition and sometimes rather more complex operations. One of these is described elsewhere: the various south Nigerian campaigns saw soldiers of the same regiment spread out in numerous simultaneous campaigns and to distinguish which operations earnt the award of this medal's bars would require in-depth research.
The medal was awarded to Gunner Momo Katango of the South Nigeria Regiment; its award has been verified. Lester Watson purchased it in the auction of the Hamilton Smith Collection, of which it had formed part, in 1927 (Glendining, 20-21 July 1927, lot 945).