Orders, Decorations and Medals

Durand Football Challenge Prize, obv. a building in forested mountain country around Simla, rev. inscribed, ‘Won by Lancashire Fusiliers, W. Lark’, 56mm., bronze, unmounted, good very fine £20-40

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Brigadier Brian Parritt, C.B.E..

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Private W. Lark was presented with this medal by His Excellency the Viceroy of India at Simla in September 1909. The Durand Football Challenge Cup was the highest football prize that could be won by regiments in India. In 1909, 22 teams entered the Competition. Lark played as "Inside Right" and to reach the Final the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers beat the 1st Battalion Royal Scots 3-1, the 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry 3-1 and the Calcutta Volunteers 1-0. The Final was between the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers and the 1st Battalion Kings Liverpool Regiment. In a tense and exciting game, the Lancashire Fusiliers won 2-1. After a congratulatory speech the Viceroy presented medals and shook hands with the victors.