Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Corporal Stephen F. Cherritt, 53rd Regiment

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, North West Frontier (1836. Corpl. S. F. Cherritt, H.Ms. 53rd Regt.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow (Corpl. Stephn. F. Cherritt, 53rd Regt.) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (2) £460-500

Stephen Francis Cherritt was born at Blandford, Dorset, and attested there for the 53rd Regiment on 27 May 1844, aged 17 years 6 months. He served with the 53rd in India for 15 years and one month during which time he took part in the Sutlej campaign at the battles of Aliwal and Sobraon; the Punjab campaign at the battle of Goojerat; the expedition on the North West Frontier under Brigadier-General Sir Colin Campbell in March to May 1853; and in the Indian Mutiny at the relief and capture of Lucknow. He was discharged on 17 April 1865 at his own request after completing 21 years service and whilst serving in the Limerick County Militia. During his service he was 15 times entered in the Regimental Defaulters Book and was 5 times tried by Court Martial. At the time of his discharge he was ‘in possession of the Sutlej Medal for Aliwal with clasp for Sobraon, the Punjab Medal with clasp for Goojerat, and the Indian Mutiny Medal with clasps for Relief and Fall of Lucknow.’ Cherritt was one of 120 men of his regiment who later received the medal for service on the North West Frontier in 1852, although it was later decided that the regiment was not entitled and further awards to the regiment were not approved. The 120 medals issued, however, were not reclaimed. Sold with copied discharge papers.