Orders, Decorations and Medals

Four: Sergeant-Major C. Jordan, Royal Munster Fusiliers, who was wounded and gallantly spiked a gun at the assault of Delhi

India General Service 1854-95, 2 clasps, Umbeyla, Pegu (Corpl. Christ. Jordan. 1st Eur. Bengal Fusrs.) clasps mounted in order listed and attached with solder; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Delhi, Lucknow (Cr. Serjt. C. Jordan, 1st Eurn. Bengal Fusrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., small letter reverse (589. Sergt,. Mjr, Christr. Jordan. 101st Foot); Army Meritorious Service Medal, E.VII.R. (S. Mjr. C. Jordan. 101/Foot.) the campaign medals with edge bruising and contact marks, therefore nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine (4) £1000-1200

Christopher Jordan was born at Worcester and attested for the East India Company forces at Dublin on 3 April 1847, aged 20. Posted to the 1st European Bengal Fusiliers (later 101st Foot and Royal Munster Fusiliers) he was promoted Corporal in July 1851 and took part in the campaign in Burma in 1852-53, receiving promotion to Sergeant in December of the latter year.

As Colour-Sergeant he was severely wounded by a bullet in the right leg above the knee at Delhi on 14 July 1857. The following extract is taken from the regimental history and relates to the advance to the Lahore Gate during the assault of Delhi:

‘[After Major Jacob fell mortally wounded] Captain Greville, the next senior officer who was close at hand, assumed command of the regiment. In addition to the many guns on the ramparts there were three placed by the enemy to sweep the passage; these kept up a heavy fire on the advancing troops. A portion of the Regiment was above the ramparts, and a portion below, Greville being with the latter.

The men, driving back the enemy, soon reached the guns. Greville called out to the party above to “spike the guns.” There was a moment’s hesitation, then Colour-Sergeant Jordan ran forward, followed by Corporal Keefe, Privates Bradley and L. Murphy. Jordan spiked the gun with Corporal Keefe’s ramrod, which he snapped off in the vent, passing the broken portion to Captain Greville, who, rushing forward, spiked the gun below. Corporal Keefe, Privates Bradley and Murphy were all killed whilst assisting Colour-Sergeant Jordan to spike the guns, round which “the bullets fell like hail.” ‘

Jordan, who went on to take part in the Lucknow operations, was promoted to Sergeant-Major in December 1857. In May 1861 he volunteered to transfer to H.M. Forces as Sergeant-Major in the 101st Foot but, on 27 July he was tried and imprisoned for four and a half months, and reduced in rank to Private. He was released on 10 March 1861, promoted Corporal the following March and within a year had been restored to his old rank as Sergeant-Major, which he retained until his final discharge on 22 October 1869. Sergeant-Major Jordan continued his service on the Permanent Staff of the Auxiliary Force as a Sergeant Instructor (Sergeant-Major) until 17 January 1892. He was awarded the M.S.M. with a £10 annuity on 22 April 1908, and died on 19 July 1915.