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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 21

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Delhi, Relief of Lucknow (Chas. Blacher, 1st Bn. 8th Regt.), nearly extremely fine

Charles Blacher, a shoemaker from Taunton, Somerset, enlisted into the 8th (King's) Regiment of Foot at Manchester on 10 June 1843, aged 17. The 1st Battalion served in India from 1846, attached to the Bombay Presidency, though Blacher remained in England. He deserted on 10 April 1846, re-joining on 12 April 1847. For this offence he was tried and sentenced to four months' imprisonment. His past service was struck out and he was branded with the letter 'D'. On 16 July 1853, however, his pre-1846 service was restored by the War Office. His conduct after 1847 was 'very good', earning him no fewer than five Good Conduct Badges. He arrived at Bombay on 3 April 1848, joining the 1st Battalion. During the Indian Mutiny, this Battalion was reduced through cholera and campaigning to an effective strength of just 200 men. It saw heavy fighting at the Siege of Delhi, spearheading Brigadier Jones' 2nd Column for the assault on the Water Bastion on 14 September. During this single attack, the Battalion suffered 37% casualties. Its remnants, including Blacher, joined Sir Colin Campbell's force for the Second Relief of Lucknow.

The 1st Battalion, 8th Foot returned to England in January 1860. Blacher remained in India, volunteering for the 7th Foot (Royal Fusiliers). He was discharged at Netley on 24 March 1868, due to 'frequent attacks of intermittent fever and exposure during his long service.' He had served for 22 years and 22 days, of which 19 years and 8 months had been spent in India. He was in possession of a Long Service & Good Conduct Medal; sold with copied service papers and research.


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Sold for
£550

Starting price
£280