Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 648

(x) A fine Punjab campaign pair to Colour-Sergeant F. Jesson, 24th Foot, who survived his Regiment's bloody ordeal at the Battle of Chilianwala on 13 January 1849

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (Corpl. F. Jesson, 24th Foot.); Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Cr. Sergt. P. Jesson. Late 1/24th Foot.), the first polished with contact marks and minor edge wear, nearly very fine, the second very fine (2)

Frederick Jesson was born at Fulham in 1832. After civilian employment as a servant, he attested for the 78th Foot at Queen Square, London on St. George's Day 1845, but transferred to the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment on 24 May that year. Promoted to Corporal on 1 September 1848, he served with the 1st Battalion in India during the Second Sikh War. On 13 January 1849, the British army under General Sir Hugh Gough confronted the main Sikh force at Chilianwala (clasp) near the River Jhelum. To reach the Sikh positions, the 24th hacked their way through a belt of thorn and mimosa scrub a mile thick, totally without artillery support. The Sikh batteries showered them with grapeshot as they emerged, exhausted, into the open. Though isolated, the 24th pressed on with the bayonet and fiercely engaged the red-coated 'Avitable' Battalions. Out of its 29 officers, the Battalion lost 13 killed and 10 wounded. Of the rank-and-file, 231 men were killed and 266 wounded. It was a black day in the Regiment's history, but Jesson survived to exact revenge at Goojerat (clasp), the crowning British victory, on 21 February.

Jesson continued to serve in India, and was promoted to Sergeant in 1854. Though once convicted by Court-Martial, he eventually rose to Colour-Sergeant of the 1st Battalion, 24th Foot. He was discharged to pension at Curragh on 7 May 1866 after 21 years and 11 days with the Colours, during which he earned five Good Conduct Badges. His conduct was described as 'very good'. After discharge he served as a Colour-Sergeant in a militia battalion, the Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteer Corps. It was during this period that he earned the Meritorious Service Medal; sold with copied discharge papers.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£420