Men of the 21st Lancers in the Sudan, 1898

Photograph attributed to Francis Gregson, 2nd Sudan War (1896-1899), 1898.

Men and horses of the the 21st Lancers, thought to have been photographed at Jebel Surgham on the morning of 2 September 1898, the day of the Battle of Omdurman.

The 21st Lancers served in the Sudan during 1898 and 1899. During the Battle of Omdurman (2 September 1898), the 21st Lancers charged thousands of Sudanese warriors that lay hidden in a depression in the desert. The lancers had to ride straight through and after a fierce clash, drove them back. During the engagement three Victoria Crosses were won. The 21st lancers lost five officers and 65 men, but its conduct won it the title 'Empress of India's Lancers' in December 1898.

From an album entitled 'Khartum 1898', associated with the 2nd Sudan War (1896-1899).