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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 276

Pair: Major The Hon. E. T. Erskine, 63rd Native Infantry, who settled in New Zealand after his military service

Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Bhurtpoor (Lieut. F. E. T. Erksine, 63rd N.I.), short-hyphen reverse, officially impressed naming; Sutlej 1845-46, for Ferozeshuhur, 1 clasp, Sobraon (Capt E: T: Erskine 63rd Regt. N:I:), very fine (2)

Provenance:
Sotheby's, October 1987.

Erskine Thomas Erskine was born in July 1807, the eldest son of Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine, Lord Chancellor, with his second wife. Made a Cadet in the East India Company's Forces in 1823, he arrived in India in October 1824 and was made Lieutenant in December 1825. Having seen active service at the Siege of Bhurtpore (Medal & clasp), he was latterly present in the Sutlej (Medal & clasp), being invalided from the service in December 1849.

Having been married at Westminster in 1861, Erskine, together with his wife and children, emigrated for New Zealand in late 1869 and arrived at Nelson in January 1870. Having settled into life there, his health sadly suffered and the Major died on 31 July 1896. A newspaper from the period states:

'Ever respected and admired by his military comrades in India, and of gentle and courteous manner, he was equally esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance here. He died in the faith and hope of a Christian.'

Erskine is buried in the Wakapuaka Cemetery and had issue of seven children, of whom just three made it past infancy. Photographic images of him and his family are held by The Nelson Provincial Museum.

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Sold for
£2,600

Starting price
£950