Orders, Decorations and Medals

An Omdurman D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant William Bushell, 21st Lancers, who was severely wounded in the charge

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL, V.R. (Pte., 21st Lancers (2nd Septr. 1898)); QUEEN'S SUDAN 1896 (3710 Pte., 21/Lancers); QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (5184 Cpl., 16th Lancers); KING'S SOUTH AFRICA, 2 clasps (3710 Serjt., 16th Lancers) suspension re-pinned on this; KHEDIVE'S SUDAN 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (3710 Lce. Cpl., 21st Lcrs.) some contact wear, generally nearly very fine (5)

D.C.M., London Gazette, 15 November 1898. One of 7 D.C.M's awarded to the regiment for the battle of Omdurman for which three Victoria Crosses were also awarded. Private William Bushell rode in the charge with 'B' squadron and was severely wounded. The squadron had 9 killed and 26 wounded, and of the four squadrons received the lions share of awards, three V.C's and three D.C.M's.

William Bushell enlisted at Canterbury in 1886 at the age of 18 years and 4 months. He served successively in the 7th Dragoon Guards, 8th Hussars and 18th Hussars, before joining the 21st Hussars in 1893. He again transferred, this time to the 16th Lancers, in 1902. He was discharged having served 21 years on 18 October 1907. His papers note that he was tried by District Court Martial for being drunk on duty, reduced and imprisoned, in 1902 and 1903. Again reduced and call for mercy for award of D.C.M. in 1904. A D.C.M. and Sudan pair named to this man was sold in 1980, but the complete original group now offered has been in a private collection since it was offered on the list of J.B. Hayward & Son in June 1967.