Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A British War Medal awarded to Private J. J. Neech, 21st Lancers, a ‘Charger’ at the ‘V.C.’ Battle of Shabkadar

British War Medal 1914-20 (L-1586 Pte., 21-Lrs.) very fine £50-70

As well as the British War Medal, James John Neech who was serving with his Regiment in India unusually also qualified for the 1914-15 Star as he took part in the charge of the 21st Lancers at Shabkadar. Early on 5 September 1915 a large number of tribesmen were discovered entrenched in the foothills near the village of Shabkadar, The Commanding Officer of the Lancers decided to launch a full regimental charge but unexpectedly a canal had to be crossed which led to a degree of confusion and, as each Lancer spurred his horse out of the canal, he was engaged at close quarters. The squadrons were outnumbered by five to one. In an incident very similar to the outcome of the charge of the 21st Lancers at Omdurman, Private (Shoeing Smith) Charles Hull was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour in galloping forward and rescuing the Adjutant whose horse had been shot from under him and was in great danger. The Commanding Officer was killed and the Regiment earned its Second Battle Honour after Omdurman. Private Neech was promoted L/Corporal.

James Neech was born in 1889 and his parents were James Johnson and Amelia. He married Violet Emma in 1925 and, after leaving the Army, worked as a Canteen Assistant living at 9, Caxton Road, Beccles, Suffolk. He died on 13 March 1968 leaving a Daughter Shirley Margaret and is buried in Beccles Cemetary.

With copied m.i.c., copied photograph and other research.