Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

‘A newspaperman who had immense knowledge of affairs in India and was a most delightful companion was Howard Hensman, the correspondent of the “Pioneer”. Hensman knew many secrets and was absolutely trusted. Needless to say, this confidence was never abused, and “The Pioneer” at that time deservedly enjoyed a reputation in India like that of “The Times” in England’
Sir Frederick Sykes, From Many Angles, refers.

The unique Second Afghan War war correspondent’s pair awarded to Mr. Howard Hensman of “The Pioneer” and the “Daily News”

Afghanistan 1878-80, 3 clasps, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (Mr. Howard Hensman); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (Mr. Howard Hensman), engraved naming, good very fine (2) £2500-3000

Howard Hensman, who was born in Manchester, was a regular contributor to journals, magazines and reviews, but is best remembered for his work as a war correspondent for the Allahabad Pioneer and the London Daily News during the Second Afghan War, the former newspaper later employing Churchill to report on the campaigns of the Malakand Field Force. A colleague of Kipling, and a good friend of Churchill’s military mentor Sir Ian Hamilton, who described him as ‘wiser than most on most matters’ and ‘one of the kindest and best,’ Hensman’s history, The Afghan War 1879-80, remains widely recognized as one of the most authoritative contemporary accounts of the conflict. Lord Roberts wrote a glowing ‘advertisement’ when the work appeared in print in 1881:

‘Allow me to congratulate you most cordially on the admirable manner in which you have placed before the public the account of the march from Cabul, and the operations of 31 August and 1 September around Candahar. Nothing could be more graphic. I thought your description of the fight at Charasia was one that any soldier might have been proud of writing; but your recent letters are, if possible, even better.’

The medal roll entry in respect of Hensman’s confirmed entitlement to the above Medal & 3 clasps has a statement submitted by him to the relevant authorities (India Office Records L/MIL/5/120 refers):

‘Though not present at Ali Musjid, I joined the Khyber Force a few days after the action. Accompanied General Tytler to Bazar Valley (1st Expedition). Offered my services to him as an extra duty which were accepted and used. Rode back two miles at 10 o’clock at night to try and find rear-guard with wounded man, which had turned off regular road - was actual escort, under fire for several hours in Lubbai Pass. I afterwards joined Sir Sam Browne’s Force at Jellalabad and shared in various reconnaissances. Joined Sir F. Roberts’ Force at Ali Kheyl on 26 September 1879, shared in march from Kabul. Present at action of Charasia on 6 October 1879; offered services to General Massy with Cavalry Brigade on 8 October, accepted and used. Was under fire on 8 October in Chardeli Valley. Remained with Sir F. Roberts until October 1880. Shared in march from Kabul to Kandahar and was under fire on several occasions during the siege of Sherpur and operations at Kandahar - placed myself at General Roberts’ disposal during the siege and was prepared to serve one of the gates.’

Hensman also published an acclaimed History of Rhodesia in 1900, and Cecil Rhodes: A Study of a Career in 1901. A keen yachtsman, cyclist and photographer, among other interests, he died in June 1916.

Sold with a copy of the recipient’s history, The Afghan War 1879-80 (W. H. Allen & Co., London 1881), ex-United Service Institution Library of N.S.W.