A Collection of Medals for the Second Afghan War 1878-80

A large double page hand tinted original The Illustrated London News engraving, depicting the Charge of the 2nd Punjab Cavalry in the Action at Shahjui on 24 October 1879, mounted and framed, very good condition £50-£70

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals for the Second Afghan War 1878-80.

View
Collection

The Action at Shahjui took place on 24 October 1879 after Brigadier-General R. J. Hughes’ 2nd Infantry Brigade advanced from Kandahar to Ab-i-Tazi, a distance of around 120 miles. This was undertaken in order to threaten the Afghans in Kabul and thus draw away resistance from Major-General Frederick Roberts’ advance on the capital from the Kurram Valley. Hughes halted at Ab-i-Tizi for a few days and was about to retire when news reached him of a force of Ghilzais assembling at nearby Shahjui village to attack his force. He took the initiative and sent a force under Colonel Kennedy, consisting of two squadrons of the 2nd Punjab Cavalry, two mountain guns and two companies of the 59th Foot and 29th Bombay Native Infantry, ahead in a surprise assault. After a fierce hand-to-hand fight, the Ghilzais were dispersed in all directions. Over 50 of them, including their leader, Sahib Jan, were killed. Kennedy lost two men killed and 30 wounded. His men then rejoined Hughes’ force and all returned to Kandahar.

For the Second Afghan War Medal awarded to Captain (later Brevet Colonel) J. H. Broome, 2nd Punjab Cavalry, who was severely wounded in this action, see Lot 200.