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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 19

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (John Pearce, 1st Bn. 23rd R.W.Fusrs.), edge nicks, good very fine

John Pearce was born at Romsey, Hampshire in 1833. A painter by trade, he attested for the 23rd Foot (Royal Welch Fusiliers) on 1 January 1856, aged 26. The 23rd, en route for China, were diverted on news of the Mutiny, arriving in India in October 1857. In March 1858 Pearce served with the wing of the regiment attached to Major-General Sir James Outram's flanking column, part of Sir Colin Campbell's force for the Second Relief of Lucknow. Outram's task was to clear the enemy from the north bank of the Gumti River. This was achieved, but the Royal Welch Fusiliers lost 60 officers and men. Pearce was discharged at Chatham on 20 May 1862, due to 'Disease of the skull caused by natural predisposition,' and more specifically, 'enlargement of the left temporal bone.' His conduct was described as 'very good'. He retired to Winchester and continued his trade as a painter. He died in December 1889, leaving a widow, Mary Ann, and four children; sold with copied census records and discharge papers.

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Sold for
£300

Starting price
£210