Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 54

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Peiwar Kotal (Sepoy Mani Sunder 5th Goorkha Regt.), lacquered, minor official correction to first name, very fine

The 5th Goorkha Regiment played a pivotal role in storming the key Afghan position of Peiwar Kotal, side-by-side with the 72nd Highlanders. The action followed a difficult approach march, during which warning shots were fired by Sepoys of the leading regiment of the column, 29th Native Infantry, to alert the enemy. Thereafter, 5th Goorkha Regiment took the lead of the column and the subsequent capture of Peiwar Kotal. During the assault, Captain Cook of the 5th Goorkhas, saved the life of a British officer and prevented the Afghans from recovering their artillery pieces, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross; he later died of his wounds and was buried near Kabul. A painting by Vereker Hamilton of the assault by 5th Goorkha Regiment and the 72nd Highlanders of Peiwar Kotal, which General Sir Frederick Roberts VC considered to be the most dramatic and most paintable incident of the Second Afghan War, now hangs in the National Army Museum.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£450

Starting price
£110