Description
General Service Medal, bar Iraq, 4804 Sowar Jagan Singh, 10th Duke of Cambridge’s Own Lancers (Hodson’s Horse).
In 1914 the 10th Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Bengal) Lancers, Hodson’s Horse, were stationed in Loralai, at the time they were composed of 1 Squadron of Dogras, 1 of Punjabi Muslims, 1 1/2 Squadrons of Sikhs (including Sowar Singh) and 1 half squadron of Pathans.
They were not posted to France but instead were sent to Mesopotamia (Iraq) in September 1916, where they took part in the Capture of Baghdad fighting against the Turkish Army.
Notably the regiment remained in Iraq and took part in the Iraqi Revolt of 1920 earning this medal and bar.
During this war they took heavy casualties during an Ambush.
On 3rd September 1920, an armoured train at Samawa which was guarded by D Squadron 10th Lancers was overwhelmed and they suffered 28 dead. During the action Captain Russell was recommended for a posthumous Victoria Cross, but it was not granted.
The regiment finally left Iraq on 30th October 1920 to return back to India.
