Orders, Decorations and Medals

EGYPT 1882-89,2 clasps, Suakin 1885, Tofrek (1770 Pte. W. Howard, 5th Lancers) toned, nearly extremely fine and a rare casualty

Private Howard was killed whilst on patrol from Suakin on 22 March 1885. Two squadrons of 5th Lancers were employed on scouting and patrol duties during the advance of Sir John McNeill's force which was so savagely mauled at Tofrek. The following account was taken from 'The History of the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers' by Major W.T. Wilcox: 'Early on the day during the advance from Suakin, Lieutenant Richardson of the 5th Lancers, with four of his men, had been sent on an officer's patrol to the left of the line of advance. His horse getting knocked up after being out some hours, Richardson rode into Suakin about midday, and, on a fresh horse, returned to his patrol duties. Neither he nor his men were ever heard of again. They were no doubt cut off and slain by the Arabs during the course of the afternoon. Richardson's silver whistle was found sometime aftetwards at a spot in the bush, some six miles from Suakin and a couple of miles south of the zariba. The whistle was distinctly marked with a spear thrust, and encrusted with blood; and it is only too evident that the patrol had been caught in the great Arab wave sweeping down from Tamai on the British force, and killed to a man. The only other traces found of the patrol were at the capture of Tamai, on the 3rd April, when a Lancer's scabbard and saddle were discovered.' In addition to those mentioned above one other man of the 5th Lancers was killed at Tofrek.