Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Maharajpoor Star 1843 (Ensign John J. Hamilton, 2nd Regt. N.I.) original hook with additional ring suspension, good very fine £650-750

John James Hamilton was born in Ballygunge, Bengal on 24 July 1825. He was privately educated at Stirling and at the Military Academy, Edinburgh. Commissioned an Ensign in the H.E.I.C. forces on 9 August 1841, he arrived in Calcutta on 13 January 1842. Posted to the 32nd Bengal N.I. in February 1842 and then with the 2nd Bengal N.I. in February 1843, he served with the latter at the battle of Maharajpoor, 29 December 1843. Promoted to Lieutenant in October 1844. Served with the Regiment of Khelat-i-Ghilzie from August 1845; served as Acting Adjutant to the left wing of the Regiment on 24 March 1847 during detached service against the Rajah Ungool in Goomsoor and in supressing Moriah sacrifices. Appointed to Nizam of Hyderabad’s Infantry in February 1848. Present at the actions of Gowrie, 6 May 1849. Appointed Assistant Commissioner 1st Class for the Northern Division of Berar, August 1853. Promoted to Captain in October 1854 and appointed to the Bengal Staff Corps, February 1861. Promoted Major in August 1861 and Lieutenant-Colonel in August 1867. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton died in Toomsoor District, Mysore on 30 November 1867. With copied research.