Object Number: W1060

Collection: Militaria

Object Name: Edged Weapon

Description: Sword in leather sheath. Leather worn. Historic display label attached. 'THIS SWORD WAS TAKEN AT MAGDALA ON THE 13TH APRIL 1868. Presented by Drummer Magner 33rd Reg. V.C. to Mr Rex./ VICTORIA CROSS 33RD FOOT/ No. 3691 Michael Magner- Drummer and No. 949. James Bergin- Private / Date of act of Bravery- 13th April 1868. for their conspicuous gallantry in the ASSAULT OF MAGDALA/ Lieut. General Napier reports that whilst the head of the Column of attack was checked by the obstacles at the gate- a small stream of Officers and Men of the 33rd Regiment and an Officer of Engineers- breaking away from the main approach to Magdala and climbing up a cliff, reached the defence and forced their way over the wall and through the strong and thorny fence thus turning the defenders of the Gateway. The first two men to enter & the first in Magdala were Dru[mmer] Magner & Private Bergin of the 33rd Regt.'