Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (Lieut. H. B. Thornhill, 1/5th Fusrs.) nearly extremely fine £600-800

Henry Beaufoy Thornhill was born in Agra, India on 7 January 1854. As a boy of three he was able in later life to remember episodes from the Indian Mutiny whilst trapped with his mother in the fort at Agra. He was educated at Eton before entering the Army with a commission in the 5th Fusiliers. As a Lieutenant in that unit he saw service in the Afghan War of 1878-80. He was promoted to Captain in 1885, Major in 1893 and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1899. He was appointed Cantonment Magistrate for the N.W. Provinces in 1891 and Inspecting Officer of Cantonments in 1903. Appointed an Acting Adjutant General in 1915 and during the war was attached to the War Office as Inspector of Prisoner of War camps. Created a C.I.E. in 1903, a K.C.I.E. in 1911 and a C.M.G. in 1918.

During the course of his services he travelled widely in India and his greatest recreation was in the study of plants and animals. Unlike many a gentleman-soldier of the time, he abhorred shooting game for pleasure. In 1914 Sir Henry started sending illustrated cards to his two-year old grandson, Teddy. The pictures featured the adventures of a number of animals, including ‘Mr Hare’ and an elephant called ‘Hathi’. Over the years Sir Henry continued to write once a week to Teddy and his sisters - Margaret, Elizabeth and Ann. As each child reached the age of five, the picture cards became illustrated letters. Of the 800 plus cards and letters, a selection were published in the following book:

With the book: Pictures in The Post - The Illustrated Letters of Sir Henry Thornhill to his Grandchildren, edited by Michael Baker, Bantam Press, 1987, 158pp, many illustrations, with dustcover. Also with copied research.