Three: Lieutenant-Colonel J. Maguire, 60th Rifles, late 55th Regment, a Military Knight of Windsor

China 1842 (Ensign, 55th Regiment Foot); Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Mooltan, Goojerat (Lieut., 1st Bn. 60th R. Rifles); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Capt., 60th Rifles), each with silver buckle on ribbon; together with a mounted set of three contemporary miniature dress medals, full-size medals with edge bruising, contact marks, nearly very fine, rare combination (7) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 60th Rifles and King’s Royal Rifle Corps.

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John Thomas Maguire purchased the rank of Ensign in the 55th Regiment in February 1840. Serving with them in the 1st China War, he was present at the attack and capture of Amoy, the second capture of Chusan, the attack and capture of Chinhae and the operations up the Yangtsekiang. Promoted to Lieutenant in June 1843 and Captain in July 1854, he served with the 60th Rifles throughout the 2nd Sikh War, including the siege and capture of Mooltan, the battle of Goojerat, the pursuit of the Sikh Army until its surrender at Rawal Pindi, the occupation of Attock and Peshawar, and the expulsion of the Afghan Force beyond the Khyber Pass. During the supression of the Indian Mutiny, he served throughout the campaign of Rohilcund in 1858, including actions at Bugawalla and Nugena, the relief of Moradabad, the action in the Dojura, the assault and capture of Bareilly, the bombardment of Shahjehanpore, the capture of the Fort of Bunnal, the pursuit of the enemy across the River Goomtee, and the destruction of the Fort of Mahomdee.

He commanded a wing of the 1st Battalion of the 60th Rifles at the attack and destruction of Shahabad, for which he received the brevet of Major on 20 July 1858, and he commanded the Battalion in the action of Bungagong. During the campaign he was three times mentioned in despatches and recommended for an unattached Majority by Lord Clyde for his services in the field. He subsequently obtained the Brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel. Appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel in August 1864, he was placed on Half Pay in April 1866. Lieutenant-Colonel Maguire was a Miltary Knight of Windsor, 1895-1904. He died in his 85th year. Sold with copied research and with newspaper cuttings bearing his obituary. The medals, miniatures, badge and framed newspaper cuttings, mounted within an ornate gilt frame.