The superb Battle of Omdurman group of three medals to Squadron Sergeant Major J.H. Brennan

The superb Battle of Omdurman group of three medals to Squadron Sergeant Major J.H. Brennan, 21st Lancers, who saved the life of an officer in fierce hand to hand combat during the Regiment's famous charge: Queen's Sudan (2094. S.S. MAJ: J. BRENNAN. 1/LANCERS.); Army Long Service and Good Conduct, second obverse (2094 SQ: SERJT: MAJOR J.H. BRENNAN. 21ST LANCERS); Khedive's Sudan, clasp: Khartoum (No 2094 S.S. MAJOR BRENNAN. 21ST LANCERS.), engraved in serif capitals, all with some contact marks to edges, otherwise nearly extremely fine.

Squadron Sergeant Major Brennan rode with C troop in the celebrated charge of the 21st Lancers at the Battle of Omdurman, 2nd September 1898. The regiment was advancing to the charge against what was believed to be a roughly comparable body of the enemy, when a trap was sprung by a large force hidden in a dry riverbed. Vastly outnumbered and at great risk from the drop into the riverbed; they nevertheless held to their course with iron discipline and superb horsemanship. The charge struck home, and a bloody melee ensued with horrific injuries inflicted on all sides.

The 21st fought clear through to the other side in an estimated 2-4 minutes, and in that brief time a V.C. had been won, and numerous daring and selfless acts had taken place. One such act was performed by Squadron Sergeant Brennan, who saw the horse of the regimental surgeon, Surgeon-Major Pinches, cut down, and the surgeon fall amid a crowd of ferocious Dervishes. In spite of already being out in front, Brennan "gallantly returned to his assistance. After a tough fight during which Brennan killed several Dervishes he succeeded in getting the officer onto his own horse and back to the regiment" (British Medical Journal Sept 10 1898, quoted in Dutton).

Ex DNW 22nd September 2006 lot 851.

Reference: Ray Dutton, 'Forgotten Heroes, The Charge of the 21st Lancers at Omdurman'.