Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Corporal H. Green, Military Mounted Police, late 20th Hussars

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 2 clasps, Gemaizah 1888, Toski 1889 (2629. Pte. H. Green. 20th Hussars); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (317 Corpl: H. Green. Mil: Mtd: Police.); Khedive’s Star, undated, unnamed as issued, mounted for display, light pitting from star, otherwise nearly very fine and better (3) £500-£700

Henry Green was born at Enfield, Middlesex, in 1865 and enlisted into the 20th Hussars at Bedford on 9 March 1886, aged 21, a farm labourer by trade. He embarked for Egypt on 2 December 1886, to take part in the Mahdist War in the Sudan. The Anglo-Egyptian Army moved to counter an attack in the Suakin region by the Mahdist General Osman Dinga in 1888. This attack was focused on a pair of British Forts at Gemaizah which were besieged and the decision was taken by General Grenfell to break this siege as soon as he was able. With the arrival of reinforcements from Cairo including a Squadron of the 20th Hussars, the attack commenced on 20 December 1888. During the battle an outflanking manoeuvre by the Mahdist cavalry was countered by the 20th Hussars and driven from the field. Notably this pursuit continued well beyond the order to cease fire.

The next year Green again served under Grenfell's command as part of the British Squadron present at the battle of Toski. A Mahdist Army of six thousand men had advanced into Egypt and Grenfell led the Egyptian Army to meet it. The battle was a resounding victory for the Egyptians with the Mahdist Army utterly shattered and its commander killed. The only British troops present were a single squadron of the 20th Hussars who took part in the final decisive cavalry charge which broke the wavering enemy line.

Green remained in Egypt transferring to the Military Mounted Police on 1 February 1891. Finally returning to England on 29 March 1896, he continued to serve, being promoted Corporal on 7 December 1898. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal in 1904. On his discharge on 8 March 1907, his conduct and character were described as 'exemplary' and a ‘good groom’. He served a total of 21 years.