Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Second Afghan War Medal awarded to Private W. Reid, 92nd Highlanders, who was killed in action at the Battle of Kandahar, 1 September 1880

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Kandahar (B/111. Pte. W. Reid. 92nd. Highrs.) minor edge bruising, good very fine and scarce as a single clasp award to unit £500-£700

William Reid attested for the 92nd Highlanders and was killed in action by gunshot to the abdomen during the Battle of Kandahar, 1 September 1880. He was one of 11 men of the Regiment killed during the Battle; the Regiment suffered a further 71 officers and men wounded. He is confirmed on the medal roll as being entitled to the single clasp Kandahar (which in itself is scarce), and was therefore not additionally entitled to the Kabul to Kandahar Star.

The 92nd Highlanders at the Battle of Kandahar
After taking part in several other small expeditions into the country round Kabul, the regiment formed part of the force which marched under General Roberts from Kabul to Kandahar. Immediately after the arrival of Sir Frederick Roberts’ troops at Kandahar on 31 August, the 92nd took part in the reconnaissance of the Afghan position; and in the battle of the following day formed part of the 1st Brigade, which led the advance, and succeeded, after severe fighting, in sweeping the enemy out of the closely wooded enclosures along the western slopes of the hill on which the village of Gundi Mullah Sahibdad stood, and finally in attacking and carrying the village itself at the point of the bayonet. The latter feat was accomplished in dashing style by two companies of the Gordon Highlanders under Major White, and two companies of the 2nd Goorkas. This movement brought the brigade in rear of the Bala Wali Kotal, and in front of an intrenched post which was on the south, and which, from the way in which reinforcements were being pushed forward, the enemy was evidently prepared to hold with great determination. Major White, who was leading the advanced companies of the 92nd, recognising, with true soldierly instinct, that this position must at once be taken by storm, called on his men for just one charge more to finish the business. His call was brilliantly responded to, and the work was at once captured, the gallant Major being himself the first to reach the guns. The casualties, which were somewhat numerous, show the severe nature of the fighting, 11 non-commissioned officers and men being killed and 2 officers and 69 non-commissioned officers and men wounded. The Gordon Highlanders, with a total strength of 643 of all ranks, left Kandahar on 28 September 1880, en route for India and under orders for home.