The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Sir Robert H. Davies, K.C.S.I., C.I.E., Indian Civil Service, Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab 1871-77

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (R. H. Davies. Civil Service) together with companion miniature medal, very fine (2)
£1200-1500

Robert Henry Davies was born in London in 1824, the second son of Sir David Davies, K.C.H., physician to King William IV and Queen Adelaide. He was educated at Charterhouse and Haileybury (1841-43), and afterwards entered the Indian Civil Service, being posted to the North West Provinces where he served as an Assistant to the Commissioner of the Sutlej Territory and as Settlement Officer of the Lahore District.

It was during the time that he held office at Lahore (1857-58) that the Indian Mutiny broke out, and he saw military service with the Benares Division. He was besieged for some time at Azimgharh and participated in the pursuit of Kooer Singh. His steady conduct was noted by those in high authority (twice mentioned in official despatches) and his ability to govern and handle men was rewarded in due course (Medal). In 1859 he was appointed Secretary to the Punjab Government, and six years later he became Financial Commissioner in the Province of Oudh, and from 1865 to 1871 he served as Chief Commissioner. From this time until his retirement in 1877 he was Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab.

In recognition of his public service he was made C.S.I. in December 1868, and K.C.S.I. in June 1874. Upon his retirement in 1878 he was granted a civil annuity and made one of the first Companions of the newly instituted Order of the Indian Empire. From 1887 to 1895 Sir Robert held membership on the Council of State for India. On the death of his father in 1865, he inherited the Rhosybedw estate in Cardiganshire, the management of which he largely entrusted to his father-in-law, the Rev. Joshua Cautley. Sir Robert Davies died at Halebourne, Chobham, on 23 August 1902, and was buried at Thorney, Peterborough.

See Lot 553 for Sir Robert’s Order of the Indian Empire insignia.