Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Honourable East India Company Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Serjt. Major Robt. Sulivan, E:I:C: Depot) contact marks, therefore nearly very fine £500-600

Ex Sotheby May 1887, and Glendinings May 1924.

Robert Sullivan entered the E.I.C. service circa 1811 and served throughout his long career as a member of the Home Establishment, at its recruit depot, originally at Newport (Isle of Wight), at Chatham from March 1815, and at Warley from May 1843. He retired on 31 December 1855, after 44 years service, 35 of which he was Sergeant-Major. At a parade held at Warley on the occasion of his retirement the following testimonial was made:

‘The Commandant cannot allow Serjt. Major Sullivan to retire from the Service of the East India Company without publicly expressing his entire satisfaction with the manner in which he has conducted his various duties during so lengthened a period as 44 years, the last 35 of which have been spent in the indefatigable discharge of the arduous duties of Serjeant Major of this Depot.

While strictly upholding the discipline of the Service Serjt. Major Sullivan has been uniformly conspicuous for the temper and consideration with which he has treated all under his control. He leaves the Depot with the universal esteem of all ranks, and the Commandant most sincerely wishes him many years of happiness and prosperity in his retirement.’

Sold with relevant copies from the Warley Depot Order Book and other records.