Trumpeter Charles Duly

Trumpeter Duly served in the 2nd Afghan War and wrote a valuable account of the Battle of Killa Kazi that cost the lives of so many of the 9th Lancers on 11 Dec 1879. Duly was, in civilian life, an acrobat who attempted unsuccessfully to enlist in the 30th Regiment of Foot. However, one of his performances was seen by officers of the 9th Lancers who encouraged him to join the regiment as a trumpeter. He went to India and was with the regiment in Sialkot when they set off towards Kabul. They were camped at Sherpur when an order came for a strong squadron to turn out to join a force advancing on the Chardeh Valley. They were confronted by the enemy who seemed like ‘a swarm of bees’ The lancers had to wait while the artillery fired on the tribesmen, but they were subjected to musket fire, ‘I saw men and horses dropping on either side of me and the bullets whizzing past my head.’
They charged the enemy multiple times to get the guns away but had to abandon the guns after the third attempt. Duly found himself cut off amongst some trees, with the enemy coming up fast behind him. His horse was injured but he managed to cross a stream. On the other side was a wounded man, Private Cavanagh, who needed help. He decided to risk his life to help the man and found a horse, but it was an artillery horse without a saddle. He hoisted Cavanagh onto it and led the horse with the wounded man clinging on. On returning to the remnants of the squadron a force of 160 was assembled to try and retrieve the lost guns. Colonel McGregor was in command and asked Duly to show him where the guns were. So Duly was employed as the scout and after an exchange of fire, the guns were recaptured. Duly was not finished for the day as he had to act as galloper for the colonel of the 14th Bengal Lancers. On his return to the Sherpur cantonment he was given a double ration of rum and something to eat.
Charles Daly was born in 1857. He was married and the photo shows him with his wife and daughter who, as a performing act, were called ‘The Weimars’. He wrote a memoir of his life which is partially reproduced on this website: https://www.garenewing.co.uk/angloafghanwar/narratives/duly.php
He died in 1936. The photo shows him in the uniform of the 9th Lancers holding a trumpet in his right hand, and a bugle hanging from a cord by his left leg. He has two long service stripes on his left forearm and a badge for proficiency with the lance.

Regimental Details | Soldiers