A C.I.E., ‘Chin Hills’ group of three awarded to Colonel Norborne Kirby, Royal Engineers

The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, C.I.E., 3rd type neck badge, gold and enamel, in Garrard, London case of issue; India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Chin Hills 1892-93 (Lieutt., R.E.); British War Medal (Col.) these two mounted court style for wear, nearly extremely fine, the second rare to an officer (3) £1000-1400

Ex D.N.W. 9 December 1999.

Norborne Kirby was born on 16 September 1863, at Hurst Green, Sussex. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and commissioned into the Royal Engineers in 1886, being posted to the R.E. Indian Establishment in 1888. Kirby served the greater part of his military career in India and Burma, taking part in the operations in the Northern Chin Hills from 3 September 1892 to 3 March 1893 (Medal with clasp). He was in India throughout the Great War as a substantive Colonel, Officiating Commanding Royal Engineer, 6th (Poona) Divisional Area. He was made a Companion of the Indian Empire (London Gazette 1 January 1917) in recognition of services rendered in connection with the War. Colonel Kirby died on 6 April 1922. Sold with further research including relevant copy of the roll for the rare Chin Hills clasp for which he is possibly the only Royal Engineer officer recipient. Also with two copied group photographs.