Orders, Decorations and Medals

A contemporary group of continental sized miniature dress medals attributed to Surgeon Joseph Jee, 78th Highlanders who won the Victoria Cross at Lucknow

Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) gold and enamel; Victoria Cross; Indian Mutiny, 2 clasps, Lucknow, Def. of Lucknow; I.G.S. 1854, 1 clasp, Persia, mounted continental style on a gold triple rope chain with gold pins at either end, together with an original portrait photograph, good very fine (4)

'On September 25, 1857, when Havelock's relieving column was forcing its way into Lucknow, Surgeon Jee displayed the greatest courage and devotion to the wounded who had fallen during the charge of the 78th Highlanders at the Char Bagh Bridge. He succeeded in getting them to some cots and by this means, as well as on the backs of his men, he was able to have them conveyed in the direction of the Residency until the dhoolie-bearers who had fled were collected and persuaded to carry out their duties. Later in the day, while still occupied in directing the conveyance of the wounded, he and his party were besieged in the Mote-Mehal by an overwhelming number of the enemy. Here he remained during the whole night and following morning, exposing himself freely to the hail of bullets while proceeding to tend the wounded who had fallen while serving a 24-pounder gun, in a most open position, and, by his endeavours and intrepid conduct, was enabled to get many of them safely into the Residency by way of the river bank through a heavy cross-fire of ordnance, although he had been repeatedly warned not to attempt the perilous task.'

Joseph Jee entered the Army as Assistant Surgeon of the 15th Hussars in 1842 and was promoted to Surgeon in the 78th Highlanders in 1854. He served with that regiment in Persia being present at the battle of Kooshab and bombardment of Mohumrah. During the Indian Mutiny he served with General Havelock's column in the actions leading to the first relief of Lucknow for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He subsequently participated in the Defence and final capture of Lucknow. He was awarded the C.B. in 1858, and in 1862 was promoted Surgeon Major. He transferred to the 1st Royal Dragoons in 1864 and was appointed Hon. Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals and retired on half pay on 4 March 1868.