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Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 359

(x) A fine 'Capture of Delhi' C.B. pair to Major-General R. Farquhar, C.B., 1st Belooch Battalion, late 6th Bombay Native Infantry; after storming Delhi with Longfield's 5th Column, he held the all-important powder magazine against determined rebel counter-attacks, enabling Lieutenant Thackerey to extinguish a fire inside the building. Thackerey's coolness earned him the Victoria Cross

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion's breast Badge, gold (18-carat) and enamel, hallmarks for Robert Garrard, London 1860, fitted with a narrow gold swivel-ring suspension and gold riband buckle; Indian Mutiny 1857, 1 clasp, Delhi (Col. R. Farquhar, C.B., 1st Belooch Battn.), part of surname officially re-struck, extremely fine (2)

C.B. London Gazette 18 June 1858.

Robert Farquhar was born in Scotland in 1805. His petition to become a Cadet in the service of the Honourable East India Company was approved by Sir Robert J. Farquhar, Bart., one of its Directors, on 8 December 1827. Joining the 6th Bombay Native Infantry, he attained the rank of Captain on 8 October 1839.

During the Indian Mutiny he served as Lieutenant-Colonel of the 1st Belooch Battalion, which marched some 800 miles from the Scinde desert to join the Delhi Field Force on 4 September 1857.

The Beloochis formed part of Brigadier Longfield's 5th Column for the assault on Delhi on 14 September. Reaching the city's magazine, Farquhar's men prevented rebel attempts to recapture or destroy it, giving Lieutenant Thackerey time to extinguish a fire which was taking hold amidst the gunpowder; Thackerey's cold courage earned him the Victoria Cross, besides saving countless lives. The Beloochis were then engaged in several minor actions in Oudh and Rohilkhund. For his services, Farquhar was made a Companion of the Bath in June 1858. He was promoted to Major-General on 27 April 1860; sold with copied research.


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Sold for
£3,200