Auction: 9022 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 166
x The India General Service 1854-95 Medal to Lieutenant, Later Colonel, S.G. Carter, 51st Light Infantry, Who Was Severely Wounded Whilst Leading His Men in the Assault on the Fort at Bassein, 19.5.1852 India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Pegu (Lieutenant S.G. Carter. 51st K.O.Lt.Infy.), light contact marks, therefore very fine Estimate £ 400-500 Colonel Samuel George Carter, commissioned Ensign 1845; Lieutenant 1848; served with the 51st Foot during the war in Burma, April-August 1852; and was on the E.I.C. steam sloop Sesostris during the naval action and destruction of the enemy´´s stockades on the Rangoon River, served during the succeeding three days operations in the vicinity, and at the storm and capture of Rangoon; he served at the assault and capture of Bassein, 19.5.1852, when he was severely wounded (Mentioned in Lieutenant-General H. Godwin´´s Despatch, 24.5.1852, London Gazette 16.7.1852); Major A.C. Errington´´s despatch to Lieutenant-General Godwin, dated 22.5.1852, offers more insight, ´´The operations being concluded, I have the honour now to lay before you a report of the assault and capture of the strong stockades erected by the enemy at Bassein, by the troops under my command, on the 19th instant. The East India Company´´s steamers having anchored in succession at about half-past four, P.M., in front of Bassein, a signal was made for the troops to land.... The whole force had not landed when a fire from the enemy was opened upon us. This was a signal for the troops to advance, which was done in the most gallant style; the stockade was surmounted , the Chief Pagoda gained, and the enemy were driven in every direction....... Having formed the troops in the Pagoda, companies were sent out by your orders in different directions to disperse the enemy. A most important duty still remained to be performed. The enemy´´s stronghold, a fortified position to the south of the town, was still unmolested. A company of Her Majesty´´s 51st, under Captain Rice, and two of the Madras Native Infantry, under Captain Borthwick, were selected to assault this position. I accompanied this detachment myself..... Taking a circuitous route, we came out in rear of the stockade, in an open space which afforded us a distinct view of this formidable position..... our further progress was impeded by water and low thick jungle, obliging us to another direction, which brought the party out upon a brick road leading straight up to the north-east angle of the work. Upon opening the position, and when within fifteen yards of it, a severe fire of musketry, guns, and jingalls, was opened upon us by the enemy. I was struck in the groin, which disabled me at once... Captain Rice, H.M.´´s 51st Light Infantry, whilst gallantly leading his company up to the assault, was shot through the lower part of the neck; his place was gallantly taken by his subaltern Lieutenant Carter, who, followed by his men, was the first on the parapet. He was struck down by a musket-ball, and rolled over the exterior slope, but still insisted upon being carried into the work. Lieutenant Ansley, of the Madras 9th Native Infantry, and Lieutenant Ford, Madras Sappers, mounted the parapet in the most gallant manner, the former receiving a wound.... The enemy now gave way in every direction, followed by the victorious troops under the command of Lieutenant Ford´´; Carter was honoured with the best thanks of the Governor General in Council and promoted Captain; Major 62nd Foot, 1868; retired Colonel 1876.
Sold for
£1,700