A RARE SECOND AFGHAN WAR OFFICER CASUALTY MEDAL TO A MAJOR AND SQUADRON COMMANDER 3RD BENGAL CAVALRY (SKINNER’S HORSE) WHO WAS MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES FOR HIS SERVICE AT THE ENGAGEMENT AT SHEKABAD, 25 APRIL 1880 AND WAS WOUNDED IN THE NECK AT THE BATTLE OF KANDAHAR, AGAIN MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES LATER COMMANDANT OF SKINNER’S HORSE

AFGHANISTAN, 1878-80, CLASP, KANDAHAR ‘MAJ. G. W. WILLOCK. 3. BL. C.’

Colonel George Woodward Willock was born on 24 January 1843. The son of Major George Willock, 6th Madras Cavalry and nephew of Lt Colonel Sir Henry Willock, Chairman of the East India Company. George’s cousin, Captain Francis Gore Willock , was killed in action at Delhi 21 August 1857.

George Woodward joined the Bengal Cavalry as a Cornet on 20 October 1859 and was advanced to Lieutenant, General Cavalry List, 21 February 1861. Brevetted Captain, 12 October 1871 and Captain, Officiating Squadron Officer, 3rd Bengal Cavalry, 14 February 1872. With the renewal of the Afghan War, his Regiment (strength 401 Officers and men) was detailed to Brigadier General Arbuthnot’s Brigade and advanced into the Khyber Pass in September 1879. Promoted Major, 3rd Bengal Cavalry, 22 December 1879, his service during the Afghan Campaigns of 1878-80 is recorded in Shadbolts as follows:

“Major G. W. Willock served with the regiment throughout the campaign, taking part in the action at Shekabad, the march from Kabul to the relief of Kandahar, the reconnaissance of 31 Aug 1880 and the battle of Kandahar. twice Mentioned in Despatches (and was) wounded at battle of Kandahar”

As a Squadron Commander, he was mentioned in despatches for his service at the engagement at Shekabad, 25 April 1880, when elements of his Regiment was involved in a direct attack on enemy positions. In June 1880, the 3rd Bengal Cavalry joined General Gough’s Cavalry Brigade, along with the 9th Lancers, 3rd Punjab and Central India Horse. On 8 August 1880, it would form part of the famed Kabul – Khandahar Field Force under Lord Roberts that would march across 300 miles of rough terrain to relieve Kandahar, fighting a battle their on 1 September:

https://www.britishbattles.com/second-afghan-war/battle-of-kandahar/

During the battle, Major Willock was wounded in the neck, one of 11 Officers wounded during the battle (3 killed) and was again mentioned in despatches for his service. Total British casualties at the battle were 100 killed and 218 wounded.

Promoted Lt Colonel, Commandant Commanding 3rd Bengal Cavalry 20 October 1885 and Colonel, 20 October 1889. Retiring in 1892, Colonel Willock died in January 1906.

Condition GVF, very minor contact wear from Kabul to Khandahar Star (to which he was also entitled, very attractive patina and a rare Officer casualty medal for the battle of Khandahar being one of just 11 Officers wounded.