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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 233

Pair: Private S. Spencer, 9th Lancers, who served with the only Squadron present at the Battle of Charasia

Afghanistan 1878-80, 3 clasps, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (1114 Pte. S. Spencer. 9th Lancers.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1114 Private S. Spencer 9th Lancers), pitting, light edge wear, nearly very fine and rare (2)

87 Charasia bars were issued to the 9th Lancers (1 Squadron).

Simon Spencer enlisted at Westminster District on 18 June 1869 and served at home for several years, being imprisoned for poor conduct in 1872. The Regiment arrived in India in February 1875 and entered the Afghan war at Taur, near Peshwar in December 1878, at which time Spencer was with 'C' troop, 1st Squadron.

This Squadron was the only one detached to join General Roberts' army at Kohat in the Jurram, Valley in March 1879. The remained with this formation during the Treaty of Gandamak and as such where present for the Battle of Charasia.

There an Afghan army attempted to halt the British advance on a ridge just south of Kabul. The British stormed the position with the 92nd Highlanders attacking from an oblique angle to shatter the Afghan centre and drive them from the heights. After the infantry assault the cavalry were unleashed, notably Brigadier White's horse captured six guns from the withdrawing enemy.

After the fall of Kabul to Roberts the rest of the 9th Lancers joined the army and the 1st Squadron was assimilated back into the main body. Two squadrons took part in the desperate charge at Killa Kazi on 11 December 1879, losing 2 officers and 16 other ranks against the overwhelming odds.

The Regiment was in action just two days later at Siah Sing, clearing the hills south of Kabul with a series of charges. After the dispersal of the Afghan army at Sherpur news came of the reversal at Maiwand and the 337 officers and men of the 9th Lancers, including Spencer, joined Roberts on his Kabul to Kandahar march.

At Kandahar Roberts crushed Ayub Khan's army, driving them from the Hills above the city. The cavalry were unleashed when the enemy broke and pursued them for the rest of the day, causing heavy losses and effectively ending the campaign.

The end of the war took the 9th back to India by November and Spencer was to embark for the next year having been released as 'Time Expired'. His medals were issued to 12 Spring Gardens, Vauxhall Walk, Lambeth and the 1881 census has a Widow, Jane Spencer living at that address; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£500 to £700

Starting price
£400