Peter Wilson Fine Art Auctioneers Ltd
Lot 167
1896 pattern sword awarded to Alexander Edward Murray (Viscount Fincastle) (1872-1962) awarded the Victoria Cross in 1898, the blade marked with Dunmore family crest above the date May 1st 1891, marked Queens Lancers, and numbered 99304, in leather sheath, 111cm overall length Alexander Edward Murray (Viscount Fincastle) joined the British Army on the 1st May 1891, becoming Lieutenant in 1894. Murray became Aide de Camp to the Viceroy of India from 1895-1897. On the 17th August, 1897 during a battle at Nawa Bali, in Upper Swat, Lieutenant Murray attempted the rescue of Lieutenant R. T. Greaves, Lancashire Fusiliers, who was wounded by a bullet and surrounded by the enemy. Lieutenant Murray, Lieutenant-Colonel R. B. Adams, Lieutenant H. L. S. MacLean and five men of the Guides, managed to rescue Lieutenant Greaves however Greaves was struck by another bullet and killed whilst the party were attempting to bring him back to cover. Lieutenant MacLean was mortally wounded during the action and the horses of Lieutenant-Colonel Adams and Lieutenant Murray were shot, as well as two troop horses. Lieutenant Murray was promoted to Captain following the action and gazetted for the Victoria Cross on 9th November 1897. He received his medal from Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on 28th February 1898.Footnote: Alexander Edward Murray VC DSO MVO DL Born 22 April 1872 at Portland Place, London. Died 29 January 1962 London. Educated Eton. Parents Father Charles Murray, Mother Lady Gertrude Coke. Commissioned into 16th Lancers 30 May 1892 and sent to India. Became ADC to Victor Bruce 9th Earl of Elgin. Governor General of India from 1895 to 1897. In 1896 accompanied the Dongola Expedition to the Sudan, seeing action in the Mahdist War. 1897 returned to India with 16th Lancers and acting as war correspondent for the Times. On 17th August 1897 at Nawa Kili, Upper Swat, India along with Lieutenant Colonel Robert B Adam's and Lieutenant Hector Lachlan Stewart MacLean along with 5 men of the Guides, went under heavy and close fire to rescue of Lieutenant R T Greaves, Lancashire Fusiliers, who had been wounded by a bullet and was surrounded by enemy swordsmen. Unfortunately Greaves was further struck and would die of his wounds, as did MacLean. For this he was recommended for the Victoria Cross, as were Adam's and MacLean. The only journalist ever to be so honoured. He was later posted to South Africa as ADC to General Sir H. C. Chermside. In 1901 raised Fincastle's Horse (31st Battalion Imperial Yeomanry) appointed with temporary rank of Lieutenat Colonel to command it. Most of the men were recruited in Highlands. Consisted of 32 Officers and 603 men. They left Edinburgh in April 1902 and sailed out on the SS Galatea. In 1906 was awarded the Royal Victorian Order, for services to the Prince of Wales, in conjunction with the marriage of King Alphonso of Spain. Resigned his commission on the death of his Father, when he took the title Earl of Dunsmore, to look after his considerable family estate. Lived at 55 Lancaster Gate, London. Returning to active service on the outbreak of war, serving as Staff Officer. Awarded the DSO during the Battle of the Somme. MID four times. Wounded twice. Between the Wars held political office, serving as government whip in the House of Lords,Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms in 1924 and then as Lord in Waiting from 1930 to 1936. He also held the role of Deputy Lieutenant. Medal entitlement: Victoria Cross, DSO, MVO, Sudan Medal (Dongola 1896), QSA with 3 clasps, Paardeburg,Defence of Kimberley and 1902, 1914, War & Victory medals. MID The Sudan Medal was awarded when he was attached to the Egyptain Cavalry as Special Service officer, 16th Lancers. Fought in the Mahdist War, Tirah Campaign, Malakand Frontier War, Second Boer War and the First World War.
