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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 102

The 'Omdurman Charger's' campaign pair awarded to Private W. Clarke, 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers, who took part in the famous action as part of Captain Doyne's 'C' Squadron

Queen's Sudan 1896-98 (3462. Pte W. Clarke. 21 L'Crs.); Khedive's Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (3462 Pte W. Clarke 21st Lcrs), small edge bruise to the second, very fine (2)

William Clark also spelled Clarke was born at Battle, Sussex and enlisted into the 21st Hussars at Canterbury on 1 June 1882, having previously worked as a labourer. He served in the East Indies from 5 February 1893 until 22 October 1896 then in Egypt from 23 October 1896. There, Clarke took part in the charge at Omdurman on 2 September 1898 whilst serving with 'C' Squadron.

C Squadron and the charge at Omdurman

'C' Squadron was commanded by Captain Doyne. Posted on the far left of those of the four Squadrons that charged, with 'D' Squadron to their right. They entered the khor at the furthest extreme which was neither wide nor deep and the enemy not so closely packed- the outermost troop of the Squadron overlapped the enemy flank and galloped through unhindered. There was no real skirmish at the two extreme ends of the line, where the momentum of the charge carried the lancers through and any man who remained in the saddle came out relatively unscathed.

A few of 'C' Squadron suffered spear wounds. Private Ayton of the Squadron, without pulling up his own mount, rescued an unhorsed man by grasping and dragging him through the enemy and out of the khor. Lieutenant Molyneux had his horse killed beneath him and continued on foot, racing for the far side of the khor. Dervishes closed across his path and the first sword blow left a deep cut across his right hand; his pistol fell to the ground, and a second blow was likely to prove fatal.

Looking round frantically for help, Molyneux found that the easy passage offered his troop meant that he stood alone. He dodged several blows from the four Dervishes surrounding him, buying precious seconds but finding no escape. At this moment a private rode in from the right, his lance gone, his sword arm badly wounded, heading for the far bank of the khor. Molyneux called out for help; without hesitation Private Byrne replied "All right, Sir, I won't leave you alone!", and turned his horse back. He rode straight at the four Dervishes, battering them with his horse, but at the first blow of his sword it fell from his hand; at the same time a spear was thrust into his chest, though not deeply enough to embed itself. While the enemy paid attention to Byrne, Molyneux reached the far side of the khor unhindered and scrambled out. Seeing this, Byrne turned his horse and quickly followed, now twice wounded and reeling in the saddle from loss of blood. Byrne was awarded a Victoria Cross for his action.

Clarke completed his service in Egypt on 5 January 1899 and returned home, albeit briefly as he found himself again in Egypt on 12 February 1899. He returned home later that year of 1 November and spent the remainder of his service there. Being awarded 168 days Imprisonment with hard labour on 9 April 1900 for insolence to an N.C.O., he was later discharged on 29 May 1904.

His service papers have him with the surname Clark, however he signs the papers with both the surname Clark and Clarke (twice), the roll has him listed as Clarke for both medals.

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Estimate
£2,000 to £3,000

Starting price
£2000