Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine campaign combination Egypt D.C.M. group of five awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major B. Turner, 10th Hussars, later Honorary Captain and Riding Master, 6th Dragoon Guards, for gallantry whilst attached to the Light Camel Regiment at Abu Klea, 16 February 1885

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (1389 R. Sgt. Maj: B. Turner. 10th. Hussars 16th. Feb. 1885.) ‘R’ in rank corrected; Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (1389. Lce. Corpl. B. Turner. 10th. Rl. Hussars.); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, The Nile 1884-85 (1389, R.S. Maj: B. Turner, 10th. Husrs.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Capt: Ridg: Mr: B. Turner, 6/Drgn: Gds:) date clasps both tailor’s copies; Khedive’s Star 1884-6, unnamed as issued, the group mounted cavalry style as worn, light contact marks to second and third, otherwise good very fine (5) £3000-4000

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2000.

D.C.M. awarded for action at Abu Klea, 16 February 1885. Recommendation submitted to the Queen, 25 August 1885, details appearing in The Times 26 November 1885:
‘Troop Sergeant Major B. Turner, 10th Hussars - At all times showed the most remarkable coolness and zeal in his responsible position (Regimental Sergeant Major), and during the night of the 16th of February at Abu Klea was continually under fire.’

Benjamin Turner served with the 10th Hussars during the Second Afghan War 1878-80, and was present during the Koorum and Kost Expeditions, the reconnaissance of Peiwar Kotal, and took part in the actions of Matun and Futtehabad. Having advanced to Troop Sergeant Major, Turner was attached as Regimental Sergeant Major for service with the Light Camel Regiment for the Nile Expedition of 1884-85.

Turner was awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry at Abu Klea, but not for actions during the Battle of Abu Klea which took place 17 January 1885. After the battle of Abu Klea the main body of troops marched on to Metammeh and the Nile River. Intermittent fighting continued all along the 25 mile march, with the Column’s progress being halted upon news of General Gordon’s death. A withdrawal from the Sudan was ordered, and the troops were forced into staging a fighting rearguard action. A six day halt was called at Abu Klea, and it was there, during the numerous attacks made by the Arabs that Turner distinguished himself on the night of 16 February.

On 25 November 1885 Turner attended Windsor Castle where he was presented with the D.C.M. by Queen Victoria. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 6th Dragoon Guards, 29 July 1891. Turner served as Honorary Captain and Riding Master with the Regiment during the Second Boer War (entitled to Q.S.A. with 5 clasps as listed). He retired in 1903, and died in Margate, 2 February 1944.

Sold with copied research, and copy of group photographic image of Officers of the 6th Dragoon Guards including recipient taken just before travelling to South Africa.

For the recipient’s miniature awards, see Lot 1157.