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Picture courtesy of Noonan's

Egypt, undated (1) The Nile 1884-85 (1433. Sergt. W. Smith. 2/Essex. R.);
QSA (5) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, lacking rivets between OFS and T clasps (1433 Clr:- Serjt: W. Smith Essex R.) officially re-impressed naming, with plug mark on rim at 2 o’clock, and with suspension claw re-affixed;
Army LS&GC VR (1433 Cr: Sgt, W. Smith. Essex R.);
Khedive’s Star, dated 1884-6, unnamed as issued

Noonan's say only 20 officers and men from the Essex Regiment were awarded both the Egypt and Sudan Medal with clasp ‘The Nile 1884-85’ and the Queen’s South Africa Medal.

Walter Smith was born in Thaxted in 1860 and attested for the Essex Regiment on 21 June 1880. Posted to the 2nd Battalion, he was promoted Corporal on 1 July 1882, and Sergeant on 18 June 1884. He served with the River Column during the Gordon Relief Expedition of 1884-85. Transferring to the 4th Battalion on 30 November 1890, he was promoted Colour Sergeant on 30 March 1892, before transferring to the Permanent Staff of the 1st Volunteer Battalion on 1 November 1895, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1898.

Smith saw further service as a Colour Sergeant of the 2nd Volunteer Special Service Company in South Africa during the Boer War, and was recommended for, although did not receive, a Mention in Despatches, the recommendation stating: ‘At Honing Spruit June 1901 was out with patrol of about 15 men at night. Some Boers tried to cross the line with some wagons and the patrol after heavy firing drove them back. Has done excellent work as Colour Sergeant of the SSC the whole time he has discharged duties with great zeal and excellence’. He returned from South Africa on 20 May 1902 and was posted to the Permanent Staff of the 4th (Militia) Battalion, before being discharged to pension on 5 December 1908.

Following the outbreak of the Great War, Smith re-attested on 10 September 1914, at the age of 54. Posted to the 11th Battalion, he was appointed Brigade Sergeant Major on 26 October 1914. He held various home appointments during the Great War, and was finally discharged on 2 December 1919 having served a total of more than 33 years with the Colours.