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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 245

An Afghanistan campaign C.B. group of three awarded to Major-General T. W. R. Boisragon, 30th Bengal Native Infantry, late Nusseeree Battalion, who was twice 'mentioned' during his career

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) breast badge, 18ct gold and enamel, hallmarks for London 1879, with integral gold riband buckle; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Lieut. T. W. R. Boisragon, Nusseeree Batn.); Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (Col. T. W. R. Boisragon. 30th. Ben; N.I.), light contact marks, very fine (3)

The Nusseree Battalion only existed from 1850-60, when it was disbanded upon the re-organisation of the Bengal Army. Few Medals named to them have ever surfaced, besides this award and that of Commandant Bagot.

C.B. London Gazette 1 March 1881.

Theodore Walter Ross Boisragon, of Huguenot heritage, was born in India on 19 May 1830, the second son of Captain C. H. Boisragon, who died of smallpox in 1837. Admitted to the Bengal Orphan Upper School, Kensington, London, he returned to India as a Cadet with his family in September 1846. Initially posted to the 69th Native Infantry, he was Adjutant of the Kumaon Battalion by August 1850.

Married in June 1854, his wife would abscond with Charles Moore some years later. Their daughter would become the 'Heroine of Manipur' in 1891.

Boisragon first saw active service with the Nusseeree Battalion during the Great Sepoy Mutiny (Medal without clasp), being placed in Command of the troops in the actions at Sedhowlie, Nookur & Gungah. He was in fact 'mentioned' by Captain Boisragon (no doubt a relative) for his command of the Infantry Detachment at Hurdwar on 10 January 1857.

Duly appointed Commandant of the 30th Bengal Native Infantry on 16 August 1861 and was promoted to its command by Lord Strathnairn '...in consideration of useful and gallant service in the field' in September 1866, he was confirmed Lieutenant-Colonel in September 1872.

Made Colonel in September 1877, Boisragon saw further service during the Second Afghan War (Medal without clasp), his unit being called in for service in September 1879. They reached Landi Kotal in October 1879 and pushed forward for the posts of Daka & Basawal. The good Colonel was in seat at Daka with his HQ whilst Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell took the latter. They were sent forward to attack the Mohmands in January 1880 and pushed them from the Gara Heights back to Kam Daka. Marching onto Basawal, they had to contend with four nights spent out in the open without making camp to ensure speed of march and were duly engaged in the Lughman Valley. Returned to Jalalabad in March 1880, they made their way back to India and crossed back on 29 August 1880. Boisragon added the Companion of the Order of the Bath to his laurels - besides a 'mention' for the Gara Heights action - for his troubles. He retired with the rank of Major-General on 2 September 1881, and died at Bedford on 21 September 1882; sold together with a good file of copied research.

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Estimate
£3,000 to £5,000

Starting price
£2400