Miniature Medals

Afghanistan 1878-80, 2 clasps, Charasia, Kabul (1664 Pte. J. Keane, 92nd Highrs.) good very fine £400-500

Private John Keane was killed in action by a gun shot to the head in the engagement at Childukhtean, near Charasia, on 25 April 1880.

Private Keane was the only man of the 92nd to be killed in this action which is not to be confused with the Battle of Charasia which took part in the previous October. On 20th April, 1880, a wing of the 92nd marched for Childukhtean, about three miles beyond Charasia, as a constituent part of the force under the command of Colonel Jenkins, C.B., which was ordered out to keep in check the tribesmen of the Logar district. On the morning of the 25th, at daybreak, the camp was surrounded and attacked by the enemy in great force. An unequal fight was maintained until 1 p.m., when, heliographic communication having been opened with Kabul, reinforcements under General Macpherson, including the Head-quarters of the 92nd, under Colonel Parker, arrived on the scene, and a general advance was ordered. The enemy were now dispersed with heavy loss. In this engagement the 92nd lost one man killed and seven wounded, one of whom died later.