Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Afghan campaign medal awarded to James, Lord Napier of Magdala, a survivor of the Kabul River disaster whilst serving with the 10th Hussars

AFGHANISTAN 1878-80, no clasp (Lieut. Hon. J.P. Napier, 10th RI. Hussars) bruise, otherwise very fine

James Pearce Napier was the 3rd son of Field-Marshal Lord Napier of Magdala, 1st Baron, and succeeded his eldest brother to the title in 1921. He entered the 10th Hussars in 1872 and served with them in the second Afghan War. Whilst a Lieutenant he was a survivor of the disaster which overtook the 10th Hussars on 31st March, 1879, when half a squadron was swept away and drowned whilst attempting to ford the Kabul River at night. This tragic event was immortalised in verse in Rudyard Kipling's 'Ford O'Kabul River'.Napier, himself, was swept away whilst riding at the head of the regiment with Captain Spottiswode. Being encumbered with his heavy boots, sword, revolver and cartridges, he was unable to keep himself afloat. He felt himself sinking and at last, as he felt his strength going, and hope with it, his feet touched the bottom. Feeling this he roused himself to a final effort and pushed forward, finding the water get shallower as he advanced. He was so weak that he could not reach dry land and was obliged to rest, sitting in water up to his waist. From here he was rescued by Private Crowley of the regiment, who helped him to the shore. Lieutenant Napier subsequently presented Crowley with a gold watch and chain for saving his life on that fateful night.Lord Napier retired with the rank of Colonel in 1905 and died at Christchurch, Hants. in May, 1935, at the age of 85.