Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 388

Four: Gunner J. Bennett, Royal Artillery, later Metropolitan Police

Afghanistan 1878-80, 2 clasps, Ali Musjid, Kandahar (1649, Gunr. J. Bennett. 11/9th Bde. R.A.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1649 Gunner J. Bennett 11th Battery 9th Bde. R.A.); Metropolitan Police Jubilee 1887, 1 clasp, 1897 (PC, J. Bennett. S Divn.); Metropolitan Police Coronation 1902 (P.C. J. Bennett. S. Div.), light pitting from Star, otherwise very fine and better (4)

John Bennett was born at White Ladies Aston, Worcestershire, where he was christened on 1 June 1853. Details of his early life and attestation are unknown, but by the start of the Afghan War Bennett was serving in the No. 11 Mountain Battery, 9th Brigade, Royal Artillery in what capacity he was to serve the duration of the Second Afghan War.

Bennett was present with his Regiment at the Battle of Ali Musjid on 21 November 1878, the first action of the war, where the Peshawar Valley Field Force advanced up the Khyber against the Ali Musjid fortress. Bennett's unit engaged in an intense artillery duel lasting the whole day. After the Battle, the 11th Battery remained in operations on the Khyber to Kabul line for the next two years until they were ordered to Kabul in early August 1880. The unit was part of the 3rd Infantry Brigade during the march from Kabul to Kandahar, and the entire battery was engaged at the Siege of Kandahar on 1 September 1880, witnessing the defeat of Ayub Khan.

At some stage, Bennett returned to England with his Regiment and was discharged from military service. He joined the Metropolitan Police, S Division, on 28 July 1884 at Great Scotland Yard, and later participated in Queen Victoria's Jubilee celebrations in London in June 1887. The 1901 census reveals that Bennett was married, shared four children with his wife Elizabeth, and the family lived together at 66 Cochrane Street, St. John's Wood Terrace in London. Bennett later resigned as Police Constable on 2 August 1909 and was awarded a pension; sold together with copied research.


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£400

Starting price
£210