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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 21

(x) The Khedive's Sudan Medal awarded to Shoeing Smith J. A. Knight, 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers, a confirmed Omdurman Charger who took part in the famous action as part of Captain Doyne's 'C' Squadron

Khedive's Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (3705 S.S. Knight. J. 21st E of I. Lancers), engraved naming, very fine

James Alfred Knight was born at Hoxton, London in 1873 and joined the 21st Lancers in 1893, being a blacksmith by trade. He would serve with the unit in Egypt & Sudan from October 1896-November 1899, being advanced Shoeing Smith on 4 November 1898. There, Knight took part in the charge at Omdurman on 2 September 1898 whilst serving with 'C' Squadron.

'C' Squadron was commanded by Captain Doyne (Medals sold in these rooms September 2024). 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.

Knight returned home but was discharged on account of misconduct by General Court Martial under Para 1805 (XI King's Regulations) in November 1907.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£300 to £500

Starting price
£240