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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 208

The Volunteer Officer's Decoration awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel J. H. S. Branson, Madras Artillery Volunteers, a lawyer by trade whose decision to allow 'Native Gentlemen' to serve in the unit almost caused a revolt

Despite this incident Branson had an extremely successful career in Madras, joining the Legislative Council and went on to become Advocate General of Madras

Volunteer Officer's Decoration, V.R., silver, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1894, the reverse engraved 'Major J H Spring Branson Madras Arty Voln:', mounted for wear, the riband stained, otherwise good very fine

James Henry Spring Branson was born on 11 June 1842, the son of James and Wilhelmina Branson. Educated at Rugby he followed his father into law and studied at the Middle Temple for 6 September 1859, being called to the bar on 11 June 1862. It was around this time he first joined a volunteer unit, the Inn's of Court Regiment 'The Devil's Own'.

Returning to Madras, the city in which his father practiced at the Supreme Court, he stayed for some time in the city before going to Burma to practice. Branson likely joined the Madras Artillery Volunteers after returning to Madras from Burma. He was appointed Major Commandant on 25 May 1882 and whilst serving in this role gave the order that 'native gentlemen' should be allowed to serve in the unit. As they had always been a 'white only' formation this caused considerable unrest amongst the men and the Madras Government was forced to step in and reverse the decision.

Despite this Branson's stock continued to rise, he was appointed Public-Prosecutor, Madras on 4 July 1885 and from there to legislator in the Madras Legislative Council. He took on the role of acting Advocate General of the Madras Presidency in March 1887 while still working in the Legislative Council as well.

Branson laid down his command of the Madras Artillery Volunteers in June 1896, being advanced Lieutenant-Colonel when he retired. He was discovered to be suffering from colon cancer and travelled back to London to seek treatment, dying at 29 Wimpole Street, Marylebone on 8 April 1897. Branson is commemorated upon a plaque in St. Mary's Church, Madras which reads:

'In memory of Lieut. Colonel J. H. Spring Branson, late Commandant Madras Artillery Volunteers, "The Duke's Own," died 8th April 1897, aged 56 years. Erected by the officers, N.C. officers and men of the corps in token of their regard and esteem.'

Branson may have taken some satisfaction in knowing that upon his death he was succeeded in that role by the first Indian Advocate General of City; sold together with an original photograph, a copy of Tamplin's The Volunteer Officers' Decoration booklet and copied research.

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Sold for
£750

Starting price
£160