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Auction: 18003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 83

(x) Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Relief of Lucknow (Serjt. Edwd. Holman, Royal Engrs.), nearly extremely fine

Edward Holman was born at Portsea, Portsmouth in 1824, gaining civilian employment as a carpenter. He joined the Royal Engineers as a Bugler at Woolwich on 23 December 1840, becoming a Sapper on 1 July 1848. From 1 February 1857 he served as a Sergeant with the 23rd Company, Royal Engineers. This unit sailed to China in early 1857. On reaching Singapore it was diverted to Calcutta, joining Sir Colin Campbell's force for the Second Relief of Lucknow. On 18 November, while supervising efforts to blow up the Moti Mahal - the last mutineer stronghold between Campbell's force and the besieged Residency - Holman received a musket-ball in the right elbow (London Gazette, 9 February 1858). His right arm was amputated, and he was invalided home on 21 November.

Holman was discharged at Chatham on 1 March 1859, judged as being 'unfit for further service'. In retirement he lived at Reigate, Surrey; sold with copied discharge papers.

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Sold for
£550