Pattern 1853 socket bayonet, Captain Alexander Robert Badcock, 5th Gurkhas, 1878 (metal)

Pattern 1853 socket bayonet used by Captain Alexander Robert Badcock, 5th Gurkhas. Made by Enfield Small Arms, 1860 circa. Once Kabul had been occupied by Major-General Frederick Roberts in October 1879 a number of fierce engagements with Afghan forces were fought to hold on to the city. In one battle on 11 December the Royal Horse Artillery, outnumbered and under a hail of fire, was forced to disable and abandon their four guns. Since the Afghan force failed to press home their advantage, for reasons of pride and practical need the guns were retrieved and repaired the following day. The inscription reads; ‘On the suggestion of Captain afterwards General Sir A R Badcock this bayonet was used for repairing a broken axle and thus saving a gun temporarily abandoned by F/ A Battery R H A in the Chardeh Valley Dec 11th 1879’.