Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private J. Watson, 21st Lancers, who rode with ‘B’ Squadron in the famous charge at Omdurman, 2 September 1898

Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (3440. Pte. J. Watson. 21/Lancers.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (3440 Pte J. Watson 21st Lcrs) generally very fine (2) £1,800-£2,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from an Africa Collection.

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Dix Noonan Webb, December 2005.

John Watson was born in the Parish of St. John’s, Margate, Kent in 1873. A labourer by occupation and a serving member of the Thames Division, Royal Engineers Militia, he attested for the cavalry on 22 April 1892, aged 19 years. Posted to the 21st Lancers he served in India, February 1893 - October 1896 and in Egypt and the Sudan, October 1896 - November 1899. He served in the Sudan and as a member of “B” Squadron rode in the famous charge at Omdurman, 2 September 1898 - his squadron suffered the heaviest losses during the charge, with 9 men killed and 26 wounded. Watson was discharged after completing his period of engagement in 1904.