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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 157

(x) Pair: Rough Rider J. Hardwicke, Bengal Horse Artillery, who was severely wounded at the siege of Delhi during the rebel sortie of 19 June 1857

Sutlej 1845-46, for Ferozeshuhur 1845, 1 clasp, Sobraon (Rough Riding Sergt. Jas Hardwick Arty.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Delhi (R Rider. Jas. Hardwicke, 3rd Tp. 3rd Bde. H. Art.), light scratches, very fine (2)

James Hardwicke, a native of Nottingham and a tailor by trade, attested for the Bengal Horse Artillery at Soho Square, London on 2 July 1859. His service papers note that he was 'severely wounded at Delhi' on 19 June 1857 (TNA L/MIL/5/79), a fact confirmed in I. T. Tavender's Casualty Roll. On that day, a large force of mutineers sallied forth and attacked the rear of the British position on the Ridge. A squadron of the 9th Lancers set out to meet this threat, supported by the 3rd Troop, 3rd Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery. Though vastly outnumbered, the British force was not dislodged. Hardwicke's troop, commanded by Major Brind, then played a key role in the bombardment of Delhi on 6 September. They brought an 8-inch howitzer to bear on the formidable Mori Bastion, in full view of the enemy. Fire from this howitzer effectively silenced the enemy ramparts, enabling the rest of the British siege guns to move into position without loss.

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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£420