Four: Deputy Inspector-General H. B. Buckle, Indian Medical Service, Principal Medical Officer in the Looshai Expedition of 1871-72

The Most Honourable Order of The Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge, 18ct, gold and enamel, hallmarks for London 1860, complete with gold swivel ring and straight bar suspension, gold buckle on ribbon and gold brooch bar; Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (Asst. Surgn. 4th Tp. 2nd Bde. H.A.); Indian Mutiny 1857-58, 1 clasp, Delhi (Surgn., 4th Sikh Infy.); India General Service 1854-95, 3 clasps, Northwest Frontier, Umbeyla, Looshai (Surgn., 4th Sikh Inftry.), 3rd clasp loose on ribbon, medals with silver brooch bars, good very fine and better (4) £2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Medical Services formed by Colonel D.G.B. Riddick.

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Henry Bruges Buckle was born on 19 August 1815. Granted the M.R.C.S. and L.S.A. in 1840, he was appointed an Assistant Surgeon, 18 March 1844; Surgeon, 16 September 1857; Surgeon-Major, 18 March 1864 and Deputy Inspector-General, 4 October 1870. Buckle served with the 4th Troop, 2nd Brigade Horse Artillery, in the Punjab Campaign in 1848-49, and was present at the passage of the Chenab, battles of Chilianwala and Goojerat, and the subsequent pursuit of the Sikh and Afghan Army, and occupation of Peshawur by the column under General Sir W. Gilbert. He served with the 4th Sikh Infantry during the siege, and at the assault of Delhi, 14th September 1857; and with the 4th Sikh Infantry, forming part of the Koorum Field Force under Brigadier-General Chamberlain, C.B., during the operations against the Cabul Khel Wuzeerees, December and January 1859-60, and was present at the affair at Maidanee. He served with the 4th Sikh Infantry, forming part of the Tak Field Force under Brigadier-General Chamberlain, C.B., during the operations against the Mahsood Wuzeerees, in April, May, and June 1860, being present at the night attack of Palloreew, at the forcing of the Burrharha Pass, and occupation of Ramgoorum and Mukkeew, &c. Buckle served with the 1st Punjab Infantry and as Surgeon on the Staff with the Umbeyla Expedition in 1863, and shortly afterwards received promotion to Surgeon Major and was appointed Officiating Principal Medical Store-keeper to the Government at Calcutta. He was awarded the C.B. on 29 May 1865. Having received promotion to Deputy Inspector-General in October 1870, he next took part, as Principal Medical Officer, in the Looshai Expedition of 1870-71. He died in London on 12 December 1874.