Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (56/1111 Prive. M. Mc.Laughlin 92nd. Highlanders) light contact marks, very fine £500-£700

Martin McLaughlan attested for the 92nd Highlanders and was severely wounded by sword cuts to the head and arm at the Battle of Kandahar, 1 September 1880, on which date the Regiment suffered 11 non-commissioned officers and men being killed and 2 officers and 69 non-commissioned officers and men wounded. The Life of A Regiment - The History of the Gordon Highlanders 1816-98’ by Lieutenant-Colonel C. Greenhill Gardyne gives the following account:
‘The regiment, having the 23rd Pioneers to their left, advanced skirmishing, first over a bit of open ground, then through orchards and enclosures intersected by water cuts, some dry, but some containing water which, though muddy, was welcome in the great heat to the thirsty soldiers. One of them, Lance-Corporal Martin McLachlan, setting his rifle against a hut, knelt down to drink and rose to find himself confronted by a tall, fierce-looking Afghan between him and his arms, who at once attacked him sword in hand; McLachlan received the stroke on his left arm, then dashed at the Afghan's throat, and bayoneted his opponent, when he coolly rejoined his company, but soon had to fall out from loss of blood.

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