Orders, Decorations and Medals

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Defence of Lucknow, Lucknow (John Bowe, 84th Regt.) edge bruise, otherwise very fine £350-400

John Bowe joined the 84th on 4 September 1839 as an under age soldier. He deserted four days later and was imprisoned for 28 days after trial by a district court martial. On release he deserted again, returning to his regiment after an absence of over two months. On this occasion he was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment and his body was marked with a “D” to distinguish him as a deserter. He subsequently served under Sir Henry Havelock as part of the 1st Relief Force at Lucknow, gaining the Indian Mutiny medal with 2 clasps. With 17 entries in the Defaulter’s Book and having gained and lost his good conduct badges on several occasions, he was finally discharged on 8 October 1861 after 17 years service in India. Rather surprisingly his conduct was described as ‘Good”. Sold with copy discharge papers and medal confirmation.