King Edward VII Coronation Medal 1902, Major General Euston Henry Sartorius, 59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment

Silver ovoid medal designed by Emil Fuchs, with, on the obverse, conjoined busts of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Denmark, facing right. On the reverse, the royal cypher surmounted by crown, underneath the date, '26 June 1902' (the coronation was actually delayed until 9 August 1902 because King Edward developed appendicitis), with a raised border of laurel leaves. The ribbon is dark blue with a central red stripe and white edges.

Euston Henry Sartorius was born in Portugal on 6 June 1844. On 24 October 1879, while on campaign in Afghanistan serving with the 59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment, Sartorius led a small force of men in an assault on an enemy position on a steep hill. During the successful attack Sartorius was wounded by sword cuts to both hands, which resulted in the partial loss of use of his left hand. Sartorius won the Victoria Cross for his actions at Shahjui and he received the gallantry award from Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on 1 July 1881.

Sartorius went on to serve in Egyptian War of 1882, retired from the Army in 1905 and died at his home in Chelsea in London on 19 February 1925.

The silver medal was issued to members of the Royal family, VIPs, senior government officials and service officers who attended the coronation ceremony or coronation parade. The bronze medal was issued to selected non-commissioned officers and other ranks at the coronation parade.

From a medal group awarded to Major General Euston Henry Sartorius (1844-1925), 59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment.