Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Sudan casualty pair to Private T. Miles, “D” Squadron, 21st Lancers, who was killed in action in the historic charge at Omdurman

Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (4014 P’te T. Miles 21/ L’crs); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (4014 Pte. T. Miles. 21st Lrs.) good very fine (2) £5,000-£7,000

Spink, November 2011.

T. Miles was a member of Captain Eadon’s “D” Squadron and was killed in action at Omdurman on 2 September 1898. “D” Squadron suffered the highest number of deaths at Omdurman, with 11 killed and 13 wounded, although “B” Squadron had the most casualties overall with 9 killed and 25 wounded, one of whom later died. These two squadrons were at the centre of the line and entered the khor at its widest point where it was most densely packed with Dervishes. “D” Squadron survivors also suffered the most gruesome injuries. Sergeant Freeman, for example, was struck by a blow to the face that sliced through his nose, one cheek, and his lip, leaving these hanging from his face on bloody strings and blood covering his chin, neck and shoulders.

After the charge, the 21 bodies - Lieutenant Grenfell and 20 men - were recovered and laid in a row. All had suffered horrific, multiple wounds inflicted by several assailants at once, which gave rise to tales of ritual mutilation even though there had been no time for this. Grenfell’s body was sent back with the wounded but the 20 fallen men were buried together, not in the khor where they had died, but in the ground over which they had charged. Captain Cordeaux, the transport officer, was left in charge of the burial party while the regiment made ready to proceed south. When the burial was complete Cordeaux broke a lance, tied it in the shape of a cross, and stuck it in the sand so that its red and white pennon fluttered over the grave.

For the Great War medals awarded to the recipient’s brother, Driver Arthur Miles, R.F.A., see Lot 154.