Morgan - 9th Lancers

James Morgan – 9th Lancers – 1878 to 1887

James Morgan was born in Whitehaven, Cumberland in 1854. By 1878 the family had moved slightly south to Liverpool where his mother, Mary, was living at 348 Borough Road, Birkinhead and his sister, Anne, at Rock Lane, Rock Ferry, Birkinhead.

James enlists for the 9th (The Queen’s Royal) Lancers at Liverpool at 10 am on the 4th of April 1878, his recruiter being Sergeant James Fitzgibbon. At the time of his enlistment Morgan was aged 24 and a boiler maker by trade, no doubt employed in the flourishing ship building trade on the Mersey. Morgan is given an initial medical examination by Surgeon Major Samuel Archer who describes him as 5ft 7.5 inches tall, chest measurement of 37.5 inches, dark complexion, grey eyes, auburn hair and heavily tattooed (necklace & cross pendant, both arms, forearms & hands & left leg), his religion was Presbyterian. Morgan is found fit for service.

The following day at 10.50 am, James goes before the local magistrate (W.M. Mann) where he gives his oath of allegiance, the final approval being given medically by Archer and the approving Field Officer (Lt. Colonel Charles M. Govan R.A., commander of the 13th & 14th Brigade Depot). James Morgan is then put on a train to Canterbury along with another recruit, James Elkington (later numbered 1922) and they arrive at the Cavalry Depot (India Establishment) at Canterbury on the 6th of April 1878. Private Morgan is given the regimental number 1925 and is reimbursed for travelling expenses of Ł1 and 9 shillings (including Ł1 1 shilling and a penny for train fare from Liverpool).

On arrival at the Cavalry Depot the newest Private of the 9th Lancers would have begun a process of training in preparation to join the service companies of the 9th Lancers who were at that time in Sialkot, India. Morgan is re-vaccinated on the 17th of April by Stephen Henry Dickerson who is the Surgeon Major of the Depot, Dickerson is also responsible during his first admission to the depot hospital on the 8th of August 1878 for boils, a problem that keeps James ‘on the sick’ for 24 days.

Eventually the Depot have built up enough recruits to sent the men to India, as such on the 16th of December 1878 a draft of 6 officers, 239 men and 5 wives from the various cavalry regiments serving in India leave Canterbury and entrain to Portsmouth. Once embarked at Portsmouth the draft would proceed through the Suez canal and a month later landed at Bombay on the 16th of January 1879. By this time the 9th Lancers had been detailed to form part of the expedition against the Afghans through the Kyber Pass and had reached Nowshera in November of 1878, there they handed in pistols and were equipped with the new Martini-Henry carbines. On December the 20th (4 days after Morgan left England) the 9th had moved up to Tarvoo, nine miles from Peshawar, where they were allocated to the cavalry brigade of Gen. Sir F.F. Maude’s 2nd Division of the Peshawar Valley Field Force.

Morgan, in a party of 49 men under Troop Sergeant Major J. Roughan, joins the 9th Lancers at this location. On the 12th of March the Lancers move to Jamrud via Peshawar and on through the Kyber Pass to Basawal where it was employed in line-of-communication duties until the signing of the Treaty of Gandamak on the 2nd of June 1879 which ended the initial phase of the second Afghan war. A single squadron the 9th Lancers were detached to the Kurram Valley Field Force and over the next few months they were heavily engaged in actions in and around Kabul when the treaty collapsed in the brutal murder of Major Cavagnari on the 3rd of September 1879. In this period of 3 months between phases of the war Morgan had spent 20 days at the base hospital, Peshawar, from the 7th to the 20th of June 1879 with fever and was at Sialkot on the 22nd of that month along with the majority of the 9th Lancers.

The main body of the Lancers were at Sialkot in late June 1879 and moved on to Doke Pelu by the end of September. In October the main body of the 9th Lancers (2 squadrons and the H.Q.) leave Northern India and finally merge with the detached squadron at Sherpur on the outskirts of Kabul on the 3rd of November 1879 where General Roberts has decided that the Lancers should be quartered over the coming winter. From this point we shall turn to the regimental history ‘The Ninth Queen’s Royal Lancers 1715-1936’ by Major E.W. Sheppard, Aldershot, 1939. The history relies heavily on diaries of various members of the Lancers:-

The next few weeks were spent in preparing to face a hard winter in cantonments. Foraging parties scoured the country round for supplies for man and horse; stores and furniture were carried in from the Bala Hissar ; and the regiment set to work to build huts and stables. Its camp was in "an awful cold place, being in the shade of the high hills, where the sun can only get to us a few hours in the day " (Crane), and it must have been with relief that, on November 30th, the men moved into the long, narrow mud buildings of Sherpur barracks—" the first time we had been in any kind of covered building for thirteen months." Meanwhile the officers were passing the days gaily by means of gymkhanas, polo and paper-chases, and a good number had sent down to India for their skates.

Very early on the following morning, in pursuance of orders received the night before, " C " Troop, to which Private Crane belonged, formed up outslde Yakub Khan's tent in the bitter cold. It was to escort the Amir who had recently notified the Indian Government of his abdication of throne out of his kingdom into exile. " There was a party sent in advance with loaded carbines ; a party each side at the trail lance ; the remainder of our troop in rear of him ; two guns of G3 R.A. ; a troop of native cavalry and a regiment of native infantry in rear of us. As I rode by the side of him I thought he seemed to be in excellent spirits, laughing and talking with the officers riding each side of him and pointing out different places that we passed on the road. He was mounted on a small pony, wearing a long cloak and gold slippers. As we passed parties of Afghans on the road, we closed around him to prevent him being recognized if possible. We escorted him about twelve miles along a very good road, where there was a troop of native cavalry waiting to take him over."

Meanwhile in all the country outside the city forces were mustering to expel the small British force, that seemed to have no other concern than making itself comfortable there for the winter. Ghilzais from the south, Kohistanis from the north, and Ghazni tribesmen from the west all began to close in on Kabul early in December. Lieutenant-General Roberts resolved to strike at them before they could concentrate, and on December 9th, after a review of his force designed to impress the inhabitants of the city with his power, sent out a column under Brigadier-General Macpherson, with a squadron of the Ninth attached, which was to reach the junction of the Ghazni and Kohistan roads at Arghandeh, separate the converging columns, and drive the Ghazni tribesmen under Mahomet Jan back into the arms of a second column under Brigadier-General Baker, advancing west from Charasiab against their line of retreat. Later, on reports coming in of strong Kohistan forces near Karez Mir, in the hills ten miles north-west of the city, Macpherson's column was switched off to the right to strike at them, his cavalry being left behind in the plain at Aushar. Here they were joined early on the nth by Brigadier-General Dunham Massy with a second squadron of the Ninth under Lieutenant-Colonel Cleland, a squadron of the 14th Bengal Lancers, and “A” Battery, R.H.A. Massy's orders were to operate towards Arghandeh in conjunction with Macpherson's column in the hills to his right front, and after detaching a troop of the Ninth under Captain Scott-Chishoime in that direction to get in touch with it, the little force—a bare 214 lances—moved off south-westwards towards Kila Kazi, Captain Gough's troop of the Ninth acting as advanced guard. As it approached the further edge of the Chardeh valley, where rocky heights rise above the village, the advanced guard suddenly saw the enemy " advancing over the hills in dense masses like a swarm of bees."

The following extract from a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel (then Captain) J. A. Stewart-Mackenzie gives the story of the regiment's unhappy experiences in the action of December 11th :—

" We had not gone far when, about ten miles off, we observed a dense cloud of dust. We still went on, and on halting again saw that it was the enemy, who were debouching in swarms on to the plains and crowning the heights on our right front. They were in numbers about 12.000, some say 15,000. with any number of standards, white, red and black ; they seemed to be making straight for us. The R.H.A. opened fire, but as they were in such straggling order, only a few were killed ; we could see them through our glasses picking them up. We then went on and again opened fire. Their bullets now began to drop in among us, so the Colonel ordered me to dismount my troop, and open fire to try and check them. This I did, but our fire had little or no effect on them. After firing a few rounds, we were ordered to mount and follow the guns, who [sic] had retired some 300 yards. This we did, and on arriving at the guns they opened fire, but don't seem to have done much harm. The bullets were now coming in like hail, and knocking the horses down both in the squadron and also the R.H.A. horses.

" General Massy, who was in command, now ordered Cleland to charge and to use his own discretion as to how far he should go. I heard Cleland say, 'How far am I to go?' and Massy said, 'Use your own discretion.' We were now about 500 yards from the enemy, who were advancing in skirmishing order, the ground intersected with nullahs and watercourses. The Colonel gave the order to charge in extended order. Off we went, opening out as we went, the Colonel right ahead of us. It did not take us long to open out, and before we knew where we were, we were among them. The ground we had to get over was awful ground for cavalry, deep watercourses and nullahs, but notwithstanding the pace was good; the enemy were scattered all over the place in small bodies, some behind hillocks, some on horses, but all firing like the devil into us, dropping men and horses all over the place. I must tell you we were only 126 in the ranks, so you may imagine that when we got among them, that it was all we could do to hold our own ; they were all round us, and the ones in rear of them coming up firing as they came. In the melee I found myself next the Colonel, who was on his horse supported by two men. I saw that he was badly wounded, so I told them to take him to the rear. I then as senior assumed command, and finding that the men were falling fast and that we were getting surrounded on all sides, I ordered the retirement. On our way back we picked up many men who had their horses shot, and many wounded men. The enemy, those that were mounted, kept following us, riding round and firing, and then cutting at us with their swords, shouting at the top of their voices, * Allah, Allah !' On arriving at the guns, we rallied, and I then received an order to charge on the left flank; the guns were now limbering up. I had to get the men over a very broad, deep nullah, and there was only one place where it was possible to get over; as soon as I had got a sufficient number over, Mcinnis, Trower and I and these men went at them ; they were now quite close, and our men were dropping very fast. We got into them again, but the fire was so withering that we were obliged to retire. Just as I had got about 50 yards from them, my horse was shot dead, falling on my leg and jamming me there. I got out with the help of Mcinnis, who dismounted. He caught a riderless horse, and I mounted. Trower also remained with me; to these two I owe my life—they ought both to get the V.C.

" We retired on the village where the guns were gone, and on arriving there found them in the act of being abandoned ; they had fallen into a deep ditch, and the horses were unable to pull them out. After this it was Sauve qui peut, and you never saw such a scene of confusion. We were all jammed into a comer of a small field at the side of a village, only one place that we could get over, the enemy close behind pouring volleys into us. At last we all got over somehow, and on clearing the village I dismounted some men to cover the retreat, which they kept on doing till the 72nd took up the fighting. The same evening the guns we had abandoned were brought into camp by a force that had gone out for them."

The losses of the 9th Lancers on this day totalled 2 officers and 16 men killed, Lieutenant-Colonel Cleland and 13 men wounded, and 34 horses killed and 37 wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Cleland later died of his wounds in hospital, after many months of severe suffering courageously and cheerfully borne. The regiment received the news of his death on August 7th, 1880, just as it was about to start on the march from Kabul to relieve Kandahar, and a Divisional Order by Lieutenant-General Sir F. Roberts expressed " deep sympathy with the officers and men of the 9th Lancers in the personal loss they have sustained." In the heat of this disastrous action, the regimental chaplain, Rev. J. W. Adams, won the Victoria Cross for gallantly rescuing first one and then two more men who had been unhorsed and pinned down at the bottom of a ditch, and were in imminent peril of being killed helplessly as they lay.

'As a result of the miscarriage of his scheme for defeating the separated enemy columns in detail, the British commander resigned himself to concentrating his force in Sherpur cantonment and there, if necessary, in standing a siege. The subsequent experiences of the 9th Lancers were summarily narrated in the words of a contemporary letter from Colonel M. 0. Little, at that time a subaltern in his second year of service :—

" December 13th General Massy took the cavalry out to cut off some Kohistanees. He went to the top of a small hill (Siah Sang), about half a mile from camp ; we then saw a few of the enemy on the next knoll, so he dismounted a troop and fired at them, whereupon they retired to the bottom of the hill. There were now about five hundred of these fellows down in a big plain, yet General Massy with the squadrons of cavalry could not be persuaded to move us from the top of the hill, where, of course, we were utterly useless. The Guides cavalry, who had gone out before on their own hook, charged first. General Massy then gave poor Butson leave to take on his squadron, which he did, and charged the enemy just after the Guides. . . . Poor Jim Butson, it appears, was shot dead, and Chisholm received a bad bullet wound through the thigh. . . . We were then in rather an ignominious position, shut up within the walls of Sherpur till the 23rd. On the 20th I was sent out with a troop to reconnoitre, but I had not gone very far outside the walls before two villages, which I could not keep out of range of, blazed into us, so I had to retire again to Sherpur. The villages all round were occupied by the enemy ; they also took the heights of Bala Hissar and took possession of the city. Their numbers were estimated at 60,000. From the 14th to the 23rd they amused themselves by firing into the camp, which was anything but pleasant, having a continued ping ! whing ! over your head or thereabouts all day.

" All this time our days and nights were spent lining the walls or being picqueted out in the gorge behind. On the night of the 22nd we were warned that there would probably be an attack that night. As soon as it was daylight a beautiful light was sent up from the top of Bala Hissar as a signal. Thousands of fellows advanced with great yelling and shouting on our front, but this, I think, was meant for a feint, as their chief attack was on our left. Independent firing continued there for about three minutes ; a hotter or quicker fire one could not imagine. Needless to say, they were driven off. The firing now slackened and the enemy made off. About twelve o'clock the main body of the cavalry were sent out, but too late to get at them on the hop. We, however, did a little dismounted work and blazed into the brown of them bolting back to the Bala Hissar."

On the morrow the regiment, with the 14th Bengal Lancers, sallied out on the trail of the fugitive foe towards Charasiab. " The ground was very slippery for our horses," writes Crane. " We were cloaked, as it was snowing very hard. We presented a curious spectacle, journeying along the road covered in snow ; we could not get along very fast, as the horses slipped so much and had to get over some very rough ground and deep nullahs. We went about twelve miles, but saw none of the enemy ; we returned the same road into Sherpur. Just before getting to the gates we had to dismount, many horses slipping and coming down, and had to lead our horses into lines."

Five days later, under equally bitter and treacherous conditions of weather and ground, one squadron took part in an expedition to the Chardeh valley, to collect for burial the dead of the action of Kila Kazi. Again no enemy were to be seen ; indeed, the Afghans never again ventured seriously to molest the repose of the British army of occupation of Kabul.

On the 5th of April 1880, after a period of 2 years with no discipline problems, Morgan is given a long service and good conduct badge with a penny a day pay rise.

During these peaceful days, polo and racing, varied by an occasional snowball fight, were the order of the day in the regiment, the only serious interlude being the dispatch of a squadron as part of a strong column sent south on April 16th, 1880, to join hands with General Sir Donald Stewart's division, then on its way up to Kabul from Kandahar. Five days later a flying column sent south to clear the Logar valley got into difficulties near Charasiab, and a force had to turn out to rescue it; among the troops so sent was a second squadron of the Ninth, but it did not come into contact with the enemy, who were routed with considerable loss.

On May and General Stewart with his division reached Kabul and took over command of the whole force there. The whole country now seemed quiet and peaceful, but it was impossible to move troops down-country in the full heat of summer, and no new Amir had yet been found to take Yakub Khan's place on the throne. So throughout the long hot, wearisome weeks from May to August the garrison lazed away the idle days. Odd squadrons of the regiment at intervals went afield foraging or collecting revenue ; the 1st Squadron, for instance, spent the last three weeks of May in a long tour of the whole area immediately south and west of the city, and in July a squadron forming part of a brigade under Brigadier-General Macpherson took up permanent post six miles out in the Chardeh valley. Meanwhile negotiations with the new Amir-designate, Abdur Rahman, were slowly drawing to a successful conclusion, and at the end of July General Stewart received orders to prepare to evacuate Afghanistan. But scarcely had the first orders for this move been issued than news came in from the south that the Afghan chief of Herat, Ayub Khan, had disastrously defeated a British force at Maiwand and shut it up in Kandahar. A force of 10,000 men with 7,000 followers and 8,500 animals had at once to be set in march to its relief.

The 9th Lancers, 3rd Bengal Cavalry, 3rd Punjab Cavalry, and Central India Horse formed the cavalry brigade under Brigadier-General Hugh Gough, which, together with three infantry brigades and three mountain batteries, composed the fighting portion of Lieutenant-General Roberts's column. A start was made from Kabul on August 8th and the whole distance of 340 miles to Kandahar was covered by the 31st—twenty-five days, of which only two were halt days. No enemy was encountered all the way, and the rapid pace kept up throughout took heavy toll of the animals and of the followers. " The natives," says Hunter, "used to go off the road and hide themselves where they could escape the eyes of the rearguard, that they might be left to die in peace. I have seen some of the transport ponies with the skin worn off their backs and their bones showing through, and this in spite of every care. We had a good moon the greater part of the march, so reveille used to sound at 11.30, and we generally got into camp about 7 a.m."

Crane's diary gives us a vivid picture of the normal procedure on this famous march. " No one except men who have been on active service and marched with a division can hardly picture to themselves the bustle and shouting of the native followers ; the shining glare from the fires that have been lit to show a light to saddle our horses and pack the tents ; the neighing of the horses, the dismal moan of the camel as a load is packed on his back, the mules kicking their loads off just as we have packed them on their backs ; some mules getting loose and running amongst the troop horses, causing some of them to break loose ; then the packing of the baggage on the saddles ; when we have formed up on parade, the time it takes before we can get on the move, sometimes having to wait to let all the baggage get on in front, and times out of number the loads fall off the mules' backs while on baggage guard (the mule drivers going along half asleep), having to dismount to stack it on again ; the tedious marching along the hot, dusty roads, sometimes parched with groomed, and saddles and arms to clean. Then the native cooks who cook our dinner—it is mostly dusk at evening before we can get any dinner; then sometimes the meat is not half done, and very tough ; it only having been killed a few hours before it is cooked ; then it is late at evening before we can get any tea. Sometimes, not being able to get bread, the commissariat not having time to bake, so that they serve us out with japaties—that is, coarse flour meal made into a round, flat cake, but is enjoyed because we have a sauce to help it down—that is, we are all pretty hungry after the tiring day's march. By the time the trumpet sounds the last post we get under the blankets and sleep pretty soundly for the few hours we get until reveille sounds, and the quietude of the night is broken again with the bustle and shouting, with the getting ready for another day's march."

The day-to-day story of the great march is succinctly told in the diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Bushman, who commanded the 9th Lancers at this time :—

"August 8th.—March at 5.0 a.m. via Indiki (passing Babur's tomb) and reach Charasiab at 11.0 after the intensest delay and confusion both to column and baggage. Rain falls in the afternoon, but the night passes quietly.

"August 9th.—March at 5.0 a.m. and encamp on the left bank of the river beyond Gamaran past the village leading to the bridge and ford. The C[entral] I[ndia] H[orse] march into camp late in the evening. Sir F. Roberts publishes a Napoleonic Divisional Order.

"August 10th.—March at 5.0 a.m. and, crossing the Logar about five miles south of the Niga pass through the Sunghi and reach Magal Khel about 12.0 o'clock. Apply for forage for transport animals.

"August 11th.—March at 5.0 a.m. and, passing Hisarak, encamp near 2nd Infantry Brigade on slope of the hills north of Barak-i-Barak. Again attack the powers that be on the score of transport animals' food. Colonel Low, Chief Transport Officer, calls in the afternoon and authorizes our helping ourselves.

"August 12th.—March at 5.0 a.m. along the road through the village to Amir Killa and, entering the Tangi Warkak [pass], cross the river about a mile and take the road over the KotuI into Saidabad, which is reached about 3.30 p.m. The baggage does not come into camp till later, and the rearguard and some kit, tents, and stores do not reach camp at all.

"August 13th.—Leaving ' F ' Troop to bring on the Division, march at 6.0 a.m. and reach Takia by 9.30. The 2nd Squadron comes in about 1.0 p.m., and all the baggage turns up with the exception of two tents and some commissariat stores, which after a time are recovered.

"August 14th.—March 3.45 a.m., the baggage under 3rd Punjab Cavalry taking the road to west of the valley, and, after a couple of halts and a false alarm, reach Shashgao about 9.30. An Afghan complains of being disarmed. The ' Station Staff Officers ' step over, taking the lucerne told off to the regiment.

"August 15th.—Forming part of the advanced guard, march at 3.45, and halting at the Kotal move in rear of the infantry. The 1st Squadron who form the van report Ghazni all clear, and we march about 9.30. Visit the citadel.

"August 16th.—March in rear of the brigade at 4.30 a.m., halting at Nani; continue the journey through General Stewards battle-ground of April 19th, and encamp after a long halt at Ahmed Khel.

"August 17th.—March at 4.30 a.m., keeping the left of the brigade and furnishing flankers, and after another long delay move in to camp at Jamrud, the infantry remaining back at Chardeh. Spies bring in letters for General Roberts from Khelat-i-Ghilzai.

"August 18th— March at 4.45 a.m. Central India Horse and 9th in front with the 3rd Bengal and Punjab Cavalry on the flanks of the Infantry Division, and encamp after the usual delay and uncertainty at Karez-i-Oba, where the supplies are better than they are reported.

"August 19th.—March at 4.30 a.m. on the flank of the Division, and reach camp at Mukur about 11.0 a.m. The foraging party are made fools of, but we help ourselves to the crops near which Major Abadie had posted the picquet.

"August 20th.—March at 4.30 a.m., three troops under Major Abadie furnishing the advanced guard. Forage at some villages on the right side of the valley, where the 1st Squadron lift some camels, and taking a nosebag of grain, continue the march to Ghojan, filling up the usual delay in some crops close by.

"August 21st.—March at 4.0 a.m. on the left flank of the division, the ground being broken at first and the early progress very slow at starting. Passing Shahjui on the left, encamp three miles short of Tazi. News of Kandahar sortie is circulated and causes much speculation.

"August 22nd.—March at 2.30 a.m. along the bank of the river, ground broken and hilly, but road good except in occasional spots. The usual cause of delay prevents our encamping until after 12 o'clock. A party from Khelat-i-Ghilzai collecting supplies await our arrival, but their news is old.

"August 23rd.—March at 1.0 a.m. with baggage in rear of the brigade, and after a few short halts in the moon and daylight, reach the historical Khelat-i-Ghilzai early and encamp south-west of the fort, which I visit with Low early in the afternoon, and meet Sir F. Roberts going the round with the Commandant.

"August 24th.—Halt and inspect the transport and troop stores, getting rid of some of the latter. Sir F. is angry at our losses, and won't hear of any Government property being abandoned ; no more carriage being available, the grass-cutter's ponies have to carry extra loads.

"August 25th.—March at 1.0 a.m., followed by the cavalry brigade baggage, and reach our camp ground at Jaldak, soon after six o'clock, and are under cover early. ' Oh, sleep, it is a pleasant thing,' etc., etc. Rumour says Hastings, Political Officer means to try his luck, and may meet us in the Robat valley.

"August 26th.—March at 2.30 a.m. and reach Tirandaz soon after 8.0 a.m., but the baggage being behind the infantry, camp is not pitched till late. General Roberts pays the lines a visit, and Hastings, the Political, comes soon after with news from Kandahar, announcing probable levanting of Ayoob Khan. A Napoleonic Divisional Order comes out in the evening, and a rumour of the cavalry brigade going in advance to Robat.

"August 27th.—The 3rd Bengal and Punjab Cavalry march for Robat at 1.0 a.m., and the remainder of the brigade move with the division under General Roberts at 2.30 a.m., and reach the Belochi camp beyond Shahr-i-Safa before 8.0 a.m. Are late starting and have to trot on in advance of the infantry. The baggage is up in good time, and camp pitched early. The lieutenant-general is unable to go beyond this camp. A Divisional Order is issued, ordering a column for special service, and afterwards cancelled, Ayoob Khan's force ' being behind the Baba Wall pass entrenched, and the country round the city deserted.'

"August 28th,—March at 2.30 a.m. in front of Central India Horse, the advanced guard losing the road, and after a couple of halts, reach Robat about 8.30. The baggage begins to appear about 11.0, and many of the tents are not up until (?). Rumour states that Ayoob is making overtures, and says his army will not fight!

"August 29th.—Halt. A squadron furnishes outposts. A subsistence party goes out with Brigadier-General Gough, and a picquet keeps guard over Kotal in front of camp. L. R. E. calls and gives the particulars of General Burrows' reverse.

"August 30th.—March 3.30 a.m., and after some difficulty in starting move across the plain to Mohmand, which is reached about 6.30. News from Hastings states that Ayoob really means business, and is entrenching. General Gough inquires about cooking and messing for three days, and an estimate of the carriage is prepared.

"August 31st.—March 2.30 a.m. and, after a long wait at starting, move along the right flank of the divisional baggage and reach Kandahar about 10.0 a.m. The 1st and 3rd Brigades advance to clear the ground in front of the cantonments, and the 3rd Bengal Cavalry to reconnoitre, and the result is the display of the enemy's position and disposition, at a small loss on our side, after an action which does not terminate until dusk.

"September 1st.—March off at 8.0 a.m. and, halting in the village of Sarpuza, witness the attack of the 1st and 2nd Brigades. As soon as the villages on our left front are cleared, move round by Kohkaran, overtaking and slaying the infidel dogs. Recrossing the river beyond the enemy's camp, return by the Baba Wall Kotal. Hear of the death of Colonel Brownlow, 72nd Highlanders just at starting, and later of that of Fromes, Shewell, and poor Stratton, 22nd, whom I had spoken to so lately, and capture of the guns which are in enemy's camp as we ride through.

"September 2nd.—List of casualties yesterday and day before 'nil.' "

On September 1st, the day after the force reached Kandahar, it attacked Ayub Khan's position on the hills west of the city. The plan was for the infantry to storm the heights in front and turn his right, while the cavalry, moving wider out on the left, operated towards the valley of the Argandab river, so as to threaten his line of retreat towards Girishk. The Afghans made no very serious resistance and fell back so soon and so fast that they slipped away from the cavalry pursuit, which never came up with their main force, only a few stragglers being overtaken and cut down. " We arrived as usual just an hour too late," writes Hunter caustically. " However, we did a great advance across the plain in echelon of squadrons against what turned out to be a party consisting of women and children, donkeys, cows, and camels, which presented a most formidable appearance at a distance. So much for the battle. Two days after we marched out here and encamped close to a vineyard. That vineyard does not contain a single grape now, although when we first arrived they might have been taken out of it by the cartloads and weighed by tons. We used to lie under the trees and gorge ourselves with them. There was also a garden of very fine pomegranates, and these are also finished."

In these idyllic surroundings the Second Afghan War, as far as the 9th Lancers were concerned, came to a happy end. But though the dispersal of our forces in Afghanistan and their return to India soon began went on apace, the regiment was not destined to see the last of Kandahar for many weeks yet, and the intervening period was dull for all ranks. "This is not a very lively spot," wrote Hunter on October 2nd. " There is nothing to do but fish in the Argandab river, and that is poor sport. The flies are something frightful; one has to fight for every mouthful of food. They go into one's tea, and to eat jam is almost impossible, without swallowing at the same time about a dozen flies."

James Morgan’s practical background is eventually recognised by the Lancers as he is appointed as a shoeing smith on the 28th of October 1880. The unhygienic life at Kandahar did nothing for the health of Morgan who is admitted to the hospital there on the 8th of November 1880 suffering from Dysentery. The treatment for this often fatal complaint was administered by Surgeon Michael Cogan and included doses of opium, Morgan remained in hospital for 2 weeks until the 21st of November. Four days later the 9th Lancers left Kandahar to return to India, they journeyed through the Bolan Pass on the 25th and in easy stages of 10 to 15 miles a day they travelled south. The 9th Hussars met their replacements (the 10th Hussars) at Sibi and eventually reached Pir Chauki, the station where they entrained for their onward journey to Umballa (or Ambala) on the 8th of December. The final word again goes to Sheppard’s history:-

On Monday, December 13th, 1880. the last echelon of the regiment arrived at Ambala, "dressed in thick Guthrie coats, helmets covered, everything thickly begrimed with dust, not having been able to get a wash or a shave, and pretty nearly done up for want of sleep, looking, as we were, old warriors returning from an arduous campaign." Part of it had, in fact, been in the field for but one month short of two years, and 4 officers and 51 other ranks never returned from Afghanistan. It must have been with thankful hearts that, after all their trials and privations, "undergone with soldier-like bearing and cheerful hearts under all trying circumstances," the 9th Lancers settled down to peaceful Indian soldiering once more in Ambala.

On the 6th of February 1881 James Mason is again admitted to hospital at Umballa where he is treated for a wound incurred when a horse trod on his foot at stables. Surgeon Edmund H. Roberts keeps him in hospital for 6 days and he is released on the 12th of February. Having recovered from this wound James Mason is again wounded on the 2nd of March when he is caught up in a fight in the barrack room, a contusion of the face and 3 more days in hospital is the result.

The remainder of 1881 passes with little occurrence, the winter months being cold and rainy, this contrasted greatly with the summer months on the hot and dusty plains that proved very uncomfortable for all. In March 1882 Umballa was visited by the Viceroy during which the 9th Lancers provided an escort and held the annual troop competition. On the 31st of March James is involved in some kind of indiscretion (along with No. 1712 Pte. W. Winter) which results in his loss of his good conduct badge and penny a day good conduct pay.

In April 1882 at Umballa, Lieutenant-Colonel H. A. Bushman, paraded the regiment to present to those who had earned them the medals for the second Afghan War, 293 officers and other ranks came forward to receive them. Of these 255 were also decorated with the bronze star awarded to all those who had participated in Roberts's famous march from Kabul to Kandahar. On the 16th of July 1882 Shoeing Smith Morgan is admitted to hospital suffering from rheumatism and lumbago with a fever, he remains in the hospital for 34 days but is eventually sent to Kasauli up in the milder hills for a change of climate, he arrives there on the 19th of August 1882.

The fever and rheumatic problems persist at Kasauli into October of 1882, Morgan being discharged from hospital on the 26th . James is re-admitted on the 6th of November and the local surgeon diagnoses Bright’s disease, a theory that a later surgeon decides is not accurate and questions the existence of such an ailment. Whatever the problem, Morgan is back at Umballa on the 20th of December 1882 and remains in hospital until the 4th of January 1883 with rheumatism. Having been released on the 4th he is back in hospital on the 19th for the same problem and is kept in for 22 days. In March of 1883, as the hot weather begins to set in, the regiment sends its invalids and families to the hills at Kasauli, Morgan joins this party on the 26th of March, arriving at Kasauli four days later on the 30th. The European climate of the hills station benefited his health as he is free from problems and is no doubt much fitter on his return to Umballa on the 8th of September 1883, he is however admitted for 4 days at Umballa on the day after the march finished.

The winter of 1883 passes quietly as does 1884, the only occurrences of note happening late in the year with a restoration of his long service and good conduct badge on the 4th of September and a 3 day spell in hospital due to an ankle sprain from the 12th to the 14th of December.

The 9th Lancers continue to serve at Umballa into 1885, Morgan is re-vaccinated by Brigade Surgeon Roberts on the 9th of February. Shoeing Smith Morgan seems to not be involved in the journey of a party of the 9th to Jullunder where a grand Durbar was held in April of 1885 for the Amir of Afghanistan and the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin. In July (20th to 31st) and September (16th to 21st) of 1885 he is back in hospital suffering from fever, it must have come as a great relief for the Lancers when they were eventually ordered to return to England.

The Lancers entrain for Bombay where they embark on the troopship HMS Crocodile on the 28th of October 1885, their station at Umballa having been taken by the Queen’s Bays. The journey of the ship back to Portsmouth was uneventful, the ship arriving on the 23rd of November 1885, Morgan had been out of England for nearly 6 years at that time. From Portsmouth the Lancers then proceed to Shorncliffe where they take over the horses of the Queens Bays, arriving at that station on the 24th. On arrival at Portsmouth, Morgan is promoted to Farrier Sergeant with effect of the 23rd, from the musters it would seem that he had been acting in this rank for some time.

On the 1st of April 1886, having completed his first period of 8 years, James is permitted to re-engage for a period of a further 12 years in order to gain a pension. The summer of 1886 at Shorncliffe was marked by a series of inspections which kept the Lancers very busy, it was also marked by Farrier Sergeant Morgan again being admitted to hospital for 28 days from the 18th of June because of diarrhea. In August of 1886 the Lancers are on the move to York, where they arrive on the 21st of that month. On the 4th of September James becomes entitled to a second long service and good conduct badge, however as a SNCO he is not actually permitted to wear these badges.

Farrier Sergeant Morgan of the 9th Lancers marries Miss Ada Flower at the Registry Office, York, on the 22nd of October 1886, this was to be almost the last occurrence of his army career. On the 2nd of April 1887 at York he is yet again admitted to hospital suffering from diarrhea and the surgeon diagnoses his problems as being due to long service in India. On a medical board held at York on the 6th of May 1887 under the Brigade Surgeon, William Ashton, it is decided that Morgan is unfit to continue his service and is to be discharged as medically unfit.

The eventual discharge of 1925 Farrier Sergeant James Morgan happens on the 7th of June 1887 at York, he is paid Ł26, 3 shillings and sixpence back pay. His physical description is given as 33 and a month old, 5 ft 7 and a half inches tall, sallow complexion, grey eyes and auburn hair. His intended place of residence was shown as c/o Mrs Flowers (mother-in-law?), Hollington near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. He had served 9 years and 64 days in total.

‘The Ninth Queen’s Royal Lancers 1715-1936’ by Major E.W. Sheppard, Aldershot, 1939.

Chelsea Pension Records, WO 97/ 3499

Musters WO 16/ 1292 (Cavalry Depot (India), Colchester, 1878-79)

WO 16/ 1219-1222 (9th Lancers 1878-1888, April 1883-October 1885 missing)