A rare I.O.M. pair for gallantry at Kisungale, on Lake Nyassa, awarded to Sowar Anwar Khan, 1st Lancers, Hyderabad Contingent

INDIAN ORDER OF MERIT, 3rd class, the reverse officially engraved '3rd Class Order of Merit' with original silver ribbon buckle; CENTRAL AFRICA 1891-98, no clasp (1015 Sowar, 1st Lancers H.C.) nearly extremely fine (2)

Sowar Anwar Khan was awarded the Order of Merit for conspicuous gallantry in action at Kisungale on Lake Nyassa, Central Africa, during the period from the 15th to the 21st December, 1891, after the death of the late captain Maguire, in defending and eventually floating the S.S. Domira which for seven days lay aground under a heavy and continuous fire within fifty yards of the stronghold of the Yao Chief Makanjira; and subsequently in the defence of Fort Johnson, on the right bank of the Shire River against Makanjira's allies (G.G.O. No. 614 of 24th June 1892).

In 1891 Captain Maguire proceeded on service to Central Africa with a small detachment of Hyderabad Lancers. He was killed at Kisungale covering the retreat of his men to a boat, when attacked by a large hostile force, he remained on land until the last, and was then shot while swimming out to the boat which was waiting off shore for his party. 4 awards of the Order of Merit were given for this action.