W G Dunham-Massy


This photo, taken in 1896, is of Dunham Massy as Colonel of the 5th Lancers. His fame as a cavalry leader was achieved in the Afghan War of 1879-80 when he commanded the cavalry brigade in Lord Roberts's victory at Charasia, the operations up to the fall of Kabul, the capture of Sherpur, the Chardeh Valley action, the sortie from Sherpur and the pursuit of the enemy. His first command, however, was as a lieutenant in the infantry. He led the grenadier company of the 19th Foot at the assualt on the Redan at Sevastopol in the Crimean War in 1855. He was badly wounded when a Russian bullet shattered his left thigh. The Russians found him lying on the field of battle but thought that he was beyond hope and did not bother to imprison him. He was finally discovered and brought back to camp where he slowly recovered. His heroism came to the attention of the newspapers who referred to him as 'Redan Massy' and his promotion to captain came as a special request of the Commander-in-Chief.


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by Stephen Luscombe