Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (J. Dunns, 42nd Rl. Highlanders) minor edge nicks, good very fine £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards for the Indian Mutiny 1857-59.

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Provenance: DNW, September 2005.

James Dunns served as 2934 Private in the 42nd Highlanders, and was dangerously wounded in the disastrous attack on the Fort of Ruhya on 15 April 1858; he died of his wounds on 28 April (the published Indian Mutiny Casualty roll which lists him as ‘James Dunn’ states he died on the same day as he was wounded; the published transcription of the Medal Roll does not list him at all - but despite this the medal appears entirely as issued).

The fort was attacked without any attempted reconnaissance and the affair ended in a most severe loss. Brigadier Adrian Hope of the 93rd was killed, as were two officers of the 42nd and Lieutenant Willoughby, who commanded the Sikhs, and nearly 100 men, Highlanders and Sikhs. The attacking force retired, leaving a number of dead in the ditch before the fort, mostly 42nd and Sikhs. During the night these unfortunate souls were stripped and horribly mutilated, their bodies being recovered the next day and buried that afternoon.

The 42nd won three Victoria Crosses in the attack on Ruhya. A fourth V.C. was gazetted in 1907 to Private Edward Spence, who was killed while assisting to bring in the body of Lieutenant Willoughby, and presented to his relatives by King Edward VII.