Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Burma War C.B. group of four awarded to Colonel W. H. B. Kingsley, Commanding 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge, 18 carat gold and enamels, hallmarked London 1887, complete with swivel-ring suspension and gold ribbon bar; China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Lieut. W. H. B. Kingsley. 67th Regt.); Afghanistan 1878-80, 2 clasps, Charasia, Cabul (Major W. H. B. Kingsley. 67th Foot); India General Service 1854-94, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (Colonel W. H. B. Kingsley 2d Bn. Hamps. R.) good very fine or better (4) £3000-3500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Hampshire Regiment.

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William Henry Bell Kingsley was born on 28 August 1835, and gazetted Ensign in the 67th Regiment on 1 June 1855. Promoted to Lieutenant in October 1857, he served with the regiment throughout the China war of 1860, including the action at Sinho, taking of Tangku, and was severely wounded in the leg at the storming of the inner Taku Fort; also present at the surrender of Pekin (Medal with 2 clasps). He raised and commanded a regiment of 600 Chinese at Shanghai and was in action during the Taiping Rebellion of 1862-63.

Promoted to Captain in May 1863, he served as A.D.C. to the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope in 1866, and was further promoted to Major in August 1872. He served with the 67th Regiment throughout the Afghan war of 1878-80 and was present in the engagement at Charasia on 6 October 1879, and in the operations around Cabul in December 1879, including the investment of Sherpore (twice mentioned in despatches, Brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel, Medal with 2 clasps).

Kingsley commanded the 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, from August 1882 until 1886, including its service in the Burmese Expedition 1885-86, until after the capture of Mandalay (mentioned in despatches, 22 June 1886 and 2 September 1887, Medal and clasp, and created C.B. London Gazette 25 November 1887). He was placed on Half Pay in August 1886, and commanded the Derby Regimental District, 1887-90. He was granted a Distinguishes Service Pension on 3 April 1898, for general service. Colonel Kingsley died on 3 October 1901.