TOPIC:

I need to change the title of this thread to 21st Lancers/SAC!


Picture courtesy of DNW

Queen’s Sudan (3289 Pte. J. Carter, 21/L’crs.)
QSA (5) CC OFS TR 01 02 (741 3rd Cl. Tpr. J. Carter, S.A.C.)
Khedive’s Sudan (1) Khartoum (3289 Pte. J. Carter, 21st Lcrs.)

Edge bruising, contact marks, nearly very fine and better (4) £2000-2400

James Carter was born in Paddington, London. A Clerk by occupation, he attested for the 21 Hussars at Gravesend, 29 January 1891, aged 19 years. With the 21st Hussars (became ‘Lancers’ in 1897) he served in India, January 1892-October 1896; Egypt and Sudan, October 1896-March 1899, and South Africa, February-December 1901. Listed as serving with ‘C’ Squadron 21st Lancers at the battle of Omdurman, 2 September 1898. He was discharged as unfit for further service on 7 May 1902.

The copy VC and campaign medals to 2998 Pts T Byrne of B Squandron.


Picture courtesy of Panzance Auction House.

Te catalogue description states:

A 21st Lancers, Battle of Omdurman, Khartoum, V.C. entitlement group of 6 to 2998 Private Thomas Byrne of B Squadron, 21st Lancers. Replica Victoria Cross. Queen's Sudan Medal. Queen's South Africa Medal with Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal clasps (this inscribed 'V.C' in gothic script). Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Edward VII). Khedive's Sudan Medal 1896-1908, Khartoum Clasp. 1937 Coronation medal.

Private Byrne although wounded himself, saved the life of Lieutenant Molyneux and helped him to safety, this act of bravery was witnessed and documented by Winston Churchill who took part in this, the last full cavalry charge by a British regiment.

The group is sold with a letter from Michael Naxton, curator of the Ashcroft Trust V.C. Collection confirming that not withstanding the replica V.C, in his opinion this group are the medals issued to and worn by Private Thomas Byrne V.C.

With this group is the original typed Nairobi Police report from 1949 detailing the robbery of the original V.C. from Byrne's eldest son Edward. The lot also contains Private Byrne's personal invitation to attend the 1929 House of Lords dinner given in honour of V.C. recipients, plus typed transcripts from Churchill and Conan Doyle's writings.

Sold on 25 Aug 15. Estimate £10-15k.

David Lay's website says this sold for £40,000. Not sure of that is the hammer or total price.

I wonder if Thomas Byrne's original Victoria Cross still exists today and of course, if so, it's current location, notwithstanding, this group would be a very good buy, in particular, if you happen to own his duplicate Victoria Cross that was issued in 1976 to a family member.
I also wonder, if, on the 2nd of September 1898, Thomas wished he had remained in the 8th Hussars, I suspect that he may, be it only for a short time, he was, like the British Cavalry always had been, bloody magnificent!

That's interesting to ponder Frank. I was wondering if the buyer was the same as for the medals to Violette Szabo?

I am wondering if the following served at Omdurman, does anyone have a list??????

Mike

FLANAGAN, E.
REG. NO.: 2576
RANK: SERGEANT (QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT)
REGT: 21st LANCERS
BARS: CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE STATE, TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA 1901