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Last Review Before the Charge by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

The Joust of Peace by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

In Single Combat by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Raising the Standard at Glenfinnan by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Eve of Distinction by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Battle for Tumbledown by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Last Man Out by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

La Charge by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Knightsbridge No.1 Turnout by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Into the Fire by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

La Salle at the Battle of Wagram by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

(Detail from) The Battle of Culloden by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Detail from Sabres on the Esla by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Charge and Pursue by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

The Jacobite Piper by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

(Detail from) The Battle of Bannockburn by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Charge of the Life Guards at the Battle of Waterloo by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Pinned Like Rats in a Hole by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Pot That Fellow by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

Battle for Mount Longdon by Mark Churms (PC) Postcard One edition : £2.50

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Text for the above items :

Last Review Before the Charge by Mark Churms (PC) In the Spring of 1854 the Seventeenth lancers, the Death or Glory Boys, a nickname derived from the regiments dashingly sinister skull and crossbones badge received orders to make ready for the Crimea. The Seventeenth was to be brigaded with the 8th and 11th Hussars and the 4th and 13th Light dragoons to comprise what was said at the time to be The finest Brigade of Light cavalry ever to leave the shores of England. Prior to departure for the front. The seventeenth is reviewed by its Colonel in Chief, the Duke of Cambridge wearing scarlet full dress in contrast to the dark blue of the seventeenth. A bit of swagger before the Charge which would secure the regiments place in history.

The Joust of Peace by Mark Churms (PC) Edward Plantagenet, Prince of Wales turns his charger once more to engage his opponent in a joust of courtesy using blunt lances.

In Single Combat by Mark Churms (PC) Robert The Bruce dispatches Sir Henry De Bohun before the Battle of Bannockburn. Far ahead of Edward IIs main army, marching from Falkirk to relieve Stirling Castle, rides the English vanguard. Late on that day, 23rd June 1314, these horsemen advance along the Roman road and cross Bannockburn. Eager for combat Gloucesters bold Barons and Knights spur on their chargers towards the gathered Scottish infantry. Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, not yet fully dressed for battle, sits astride a grey pony. He rides out ahead of his formations to observe the enemys advance. One of the English Knights, Sir Henry De Bohun, seeing the Kings vulnerable position, gallops ahead of his fellows to engage Bruce in single combat. Undaunted, the King holds his ground. Skillfully turning his mount away from the thrust of the Knights deadly lance in one movement he swings his battle axe down upon his enemys head with such force that the handle is shattered and the unfortunate attackers skull is split in two. In triumph, Bruce returns to the cheers of his countrymen who before the day is out will soon deliver a similar fate upon many other English noblemen. As the light fades the Riders retire but both armies know well that the main battle of Bannockburn has yet to begin.

Raising the Standard at Glenfinnan by Mark Churms (PC) Supported by the Highland Chiefs with twelve hundred highlanders present. Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard at Glenfinnan on the 19th August 1745. This was the start of the Forty Five which would end with the defeat of the Jacobite Army on Drumossie Moor at the battle of Culloden 16th April 1746.

Eve of Distinction by Mark Churms (PC) Lt. John Rouse Merriot Chard, Royal Engineers.At about 3.30 on the afternoon of 22nd January 1879, Lieutenant John Rouse Merriot Chard, Royal Engineers, was supervising repairs on the military pont on the Mzinyathi river, at the border crossing at Rorkes Drift, when survivors brought news that the advanced British camp at Isandhlwana had been over-run by the Zulus, and that a wing of the Zulu army was on its way to attack Rorkes Drift. Chard ordered Driver Robson to pack up the wagon and return to the mission station, where a stockpile of supplies was under the guard of B Company, 2/24th Regiment. Chard, in consultation with his fellow officers, made the historic decision to make a stand at Rorkes Drift.

Battle for Tumbledown by Mark Churms (PC) With Fixed Bayonets soldiers of 2nd battalion Scots Guards clear enemy positions of 5th Argentine Marine Battalion on the slopes of Tumbledown

Last Man Out by Mark Churms (PC) Private Robert Jones. Decorated for conspicuous bravery and devotion to the wounded at Rorkes drift. Private Robert and William Jones, posted in a room of the Hospital facing the hill, kept up a steady fire against enormous odds, and while one worked to cut a hole through the partition into the next room, the other shot Zulu after Zulu through the loophooled walls, using his own and his comrades rifle alternatively when the barrels became to hot to hold owing to the incessant firing. By their united heroic efforts six out of the seven patients were saved by being carried through the broken partition. the seventh, sergeant Maxwell being delirious, refused to be helped, and on Robert Jones returning to take him by force he found him being stabbed by the Zulus in his bed, Robert Jones died in 1898 in Peterchurch Herefordshire . Both men were awarded the Victoria Cross.

La Charge by Mark Churms (PC) Baron de Donop's Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo, 5.30pm, 18th June 1815. After four hours of fighting, the squadrons of Napoleons 3rd Cavalry Corps finally join the massed assaults on the battered allied infantry squares. With the 42 year old marechal de camp Frederic-Guillaume de Donop at their head, the 2nd and 3rd Cuirassier Regiments break from a trot into a canter as they clear the ridge. The heavy cavalry are smashed against the steadfast bayonets of the redcoats and countercharged by light horsemen. In one of these encounters the general himself is terribly wounded and falls from his horse. His son (aide-de-camp) is also injured. Both are reported missing and presumed captured. Although the general's body is not found,it is certain that he met his death in the muddy fields of Waterloo alongside many of his brigade. In 1895 his name is inscribed on the north face of L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris in recognition of his service to France.

Knightsbridge No.1 Turnout by Mark Churms (PC) No text for this item

Into the Fire by Mark Churms (PC) Crouching low behind their shields, the warriors of the uThulwans, iNdlondo and uDloko regiments advance around the foot of Shiyane hill. Led by their commander, Prince Dabulamnzi kaMpnade, the main Zulu force attacks the British outpost at Rorkes Drift, 4.50pm, 2nd January 1879.

La Salle at the Battle of Wagram by Mark Churms (PC) Depicting General La Salle before his last charge before being killed at the Battle of Wagram.

(Detail from) The Battle of Culloden by Mark Churms (PC) Icy rain adds its misery to the bitter conflict on Drumossie Moor. In the shadow of the Black Isle, two English ships on the waters of the Moray Firth, await the outcome of the decisive battle. Pounded by Cumberlands gunners and raked by steady musketry, the Princes brave men can make no headway. Although the Irish and French regulars refuse to give ground, the Jacobite lines gradually disintegrate. Tired, cold and hungry men flea past Culloden House for the relative safety of Inverness. On the Scottish right the Argyll Militia, supported by Hawleys Dragoons, tear down the walls of the Culwiniac and Culchunaig enclosures in an outflanking attack. Avochies men offer some resistance but Major Gillies McBean stands alone on the breach. He cuts down more than a dozen Argylls, including Lord Robert Kerr, who lies mortally wounded, but his foes are too many. The hero eventually falls to a vicious cut to the forehead, his thigh bone is also broken. Despite the cries of a mounted officer to save that brave man, the major is ruthlessly bayonetted, his back against the wall. The victory is complete and nothing more can be done. In the distance, the Young Pretender is forced to abandon the field and Scotlands hope of claiming the British Throne.

Detail from Sabres on the Esla by Mark Churms (PC) Sir John Moores epic retreat to Corunna was punctuated by desperate and often heroic rear-guard actions - none more dramatic than the cavalry clash at Benevente on the 29th December 1808. Having crossed the river Esla, cold and swollen by recent rainfall, a British picquet, comprised of elements of the Kings German Legion Hussars and the 7th, 10th and 18th Hussars, covers the river and its tactically demolished Castro Gonzalos bridge from a position near the town of Benevente. Napoleon himself leads the pursuit. The Emperors elite Guard Light Cavalry, commanded by General Lefebvre-Desnouettes, is ordered at daylight to ford the river and launch a surprise attack on what appears to be the numerically inferior British units. As five-hundred and fifty French cavalry emerge in orderly fashion from the river, intent upon quickly dispatching the opposition, they are startled to find the British piquet, reinforced by a host of British cavalry, streaming from within the confines of Benevente, some on their left flank. Under the command of Lord Paget, the British become the pursuers of the surprised French, who turn and retreat with the frigid waters of the Esla blocking their escape. Unlike their crossing in echelon just minutes before, the French now in disorder plunge into the river, where many drown. Others are captured including General Lefebvre-Desnouettes who is made prisoner by Grisdale of the 10th Hussars following a dramatic pursuit. General Lefebvre-Desnouettes will eventually escape from captivity in England, to encounter Lord Paget once again on the field of Waterloo.

Charge and Pursue by Mark Churms (PC) The Queens Bays engage enemy foot and horse outside Luknow, led by Major Percy Smith. The regiment was given the order to charge and pursue. The Bays thundered into action accompanied by the second Punjab cavalry. In the action Major Percy Smith was killed along with two corporals.

The Jacobite Piper by Mark Churms (PC) After the unsuccessful march on London, Prince Charlie retreats to the safety of Scotland. The army regroups and more men come to join the cause, including soldiers from France. However King Georges men are never far away. As dark, winter rain clouds draw in over the high ground above the town of Falkirk, the Jacobite army assembles to face Hang-man Hawleys dragoons and infantry. A piper plays on while the men of Ogilvys Regiment, in the second line, load and make ready their weapons for the coming assault. Bonnie Prince Charlie (so called for his nature, not his looks) rides down the ranks followed by Lord Elcho and his Life Guards. Red coated Irish Pickets, regulars from France, are also in reserve.

(Detail from) The Battle of Bannockburn by Mark Churms (PC) With the full might of Englands Army now gathered to do battle before the besieged Stirling Castle, the young Edward II Plantagenate is confident of victory over the enemy. To the west of the Bannockburn, Robert Bruce, King of Scots kneels to pray with his men and commends his soul to God. The Scottish battle lines are prepared. The Cavalry is in reserve to the rear behind the spearmen and archers (known as Flower of the forest) in tightly packed Schiltrons patiently awaiting the coming onslaught. Unknown to the English, the open marshy ground of no mans land conceals hidden pits and trenches, major obstacles for any mounted charge. Despite Cliffords and de Beaumonts premature and unsuccessful attempt to relieve the castle the day before, years of victory have taught the brave English knights to regard their Scottish foes with contempt. So, without waiting for the bowmen to effectively weaken the enemy lines the order is hurriedly given to attack! With one rush hundreds of mounted knights led by the impetuous Earl of Gloucester thunder headlong through the boggy ground straight for the impenetrable forest of spears and into defeat and death. With dash and courage the knights try to force a way through the mass of spears but the Scots stand firm. The momentum of the charge is lost and there is no room to manoeuvre. Everywhere horses and men crash to the ground, casualties amongst the English are horrific. Robert Bruce seizes the moment and orders the exultant army to advance. The Englishmen are slowly pushed back into the waters of the Bannockburn. All discipline is lost as the soldiers and horses madly scramble for the far bank of the burn. Many drown or perish in the crush to escape the deadly melee. Edward II, with his army destroyed, flees with his bodyguard for the safety of Stirling Castle but is refused refuge and has to fight his way south to England. For Robert Bruce and Scotland victory is complete. Text by Paul Scarron-Jones.

Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth by Mark Churms (PC) The decisive battle of the War of the Roses was fought near Market Bosworth. Richard of Gloucester, the last Plantagenate King of England was to try consequences with Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond. The bloody conflict began in the traditional manner with the opposing armies drawn up in line. facing one another, except for the forces of Thomas Neville, Lord Stanley, as yeyt uncommitted to either side. King Richard, the Third of that name, is seated astride his grey charger in his fine blued harness. He is accompanied by his personal standard and the royal standard, alongside that of Lord Zouch to his right. His herald, trumpet are at his side. To his left Richards Chamberlain and Admiral, Viscount Lord Lovel, sits ready, astride his mount. To the rear we see the rest of the household and choice force of cavalry, kept out of shot to avoid unnecessary casualties amongst the expensive war horses. After the opening deadly arrow storm, boys hurriedly collect fallen arrows for Richards men to shoot back. In the front line crossbowmen return fire from behind the safety of their decorated pavaises (painted with the suns and white roses of York and the white boar, Richards badge). Close by a gentleman at arms, mortally wounded by an iron ball fired from a hand gonne is dragged from the field by his page. Sir Walter Devereux (Lord Ferrers) accompanied by his standard is encouraging his household (soldiers wearing his livery colours ) to attack. However, there is a marked reluctance on both sides to join the vicious close quarter combat of handstrokes and only in the centre is there any heavy fighting. Richard is informed by his herald that Henry and his household have been recognised and are now within charge distance. Faced with his armies reluctance to come to grips with the enemy, he decides to force battle himself by leading his own household, the Choice Force, in a desperate charge against Henry seeking to engage him in single combat. Characteristically leading from the front Richard slays many a knight, including William Brandon (Henrys standard bearer) in his vain attempt to kill his rival. At this crucial moment Lord Stanley decides to join Henrys cause, attacks the choice force and drives it from the field. In the brutal hand to hand fighting the king is unhorsed and though surrounded, fights to the end. -KingRichard alone was killed fighting manfully in the thickest press of his enemies - his courage was high and fierce and failed him not even at the death which when his men forsook him, he preferred to take by the sword, rather than by foul flight to prolong his life- (Polydore Virgil)

Charge of the Life Guards at the Battle of Waterloo by Mark Churms (PC) Captain Montague Lind, leading a Squadron of the 1st Life Guards against the 12th regiment of Cuirassiers during the battle of waterloo, Hougoumont Farm can be seen in the distance.

Pinned Like Rats in a Hole by Mark Churms (PC) Depicting Private Hook and Private Williams, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot inside the burning hospital at Rorkes Drift, 7pm January 1879. At about 6 pm the Zulus first forced their way into the hospital building where some thirty patients were defended by a handful of able-bodied men. A running fight ensued as the patients were evacuated from room to room, a desperate struggle made all the more terrible when the Zulus set fire to the thatched roof. Here Private Alfred Henry Hook holds Zulus of the uThulwana regiment at bay whilst Private John Williams helps a patient escape; Hook received a head wound when a spear struck off his helmet.

Pot That Fellow by Mark Churms (PC) Acting Assistant Commissary J.L. Dalton commissariat and transport department and colour sergeant F. Bourne, during the battle at the front wall about 6pm at Rorkes Drift. Frank Bourne was born on the 27th April 1854 in Balcombe Sussex, when Bourne was 18 he joined the 24th Regiment in 1872, being promoted to Corporal in 1875 and Sergeant in 1878. Sergeant Bourne was promoted to Colour Sergeant soon after the rgeiment arrived in Natal. Colour Sgt bourne was part of B company whose job was to guard the hospital at Rorkes Drift. Colour Sgt Bourne played a major role in keeping the defending troops effective. Colour Sgt Bourne was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his role in the defence, and it is surprising that he was not awarded a Victoria Cross as 11 were awarded for the defence. Col Sgt Bourne retired form the army in 1907, but joined again for WW1, serving in Dublin. He was the last survivor of Rorkes Drift, passing away at the age of 91 on the 8th May 1945 by coincidence being VE day.

Battle for Mount Longdon by Mark Churms (PC) Sgt. Ian John McKay VC calls for covering fire as he leads forward elements of 4 and 5 platoon of B Company 3 Para, to assault Argentinean positions held by 7th Infantry regiment, Falklands War 11th -12th June 1982.