Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Bhurtpoor (James Cooke. 11th Dragoons.) long hyphen reverse, Calcutta Mint impressed naming, edge bruise and light surface marks, otherwise better than very fine £600-700

James Cooke was born in the Parish of St Luke, Dublin, and attested for the 17th Light Dragoons at Dublin on 23 June 1808, aged 15, a weaver by trade. He served in the East Indies from 23 June 1811, taking part in the Pindaree campaign of 1817-18. He transferred to the 11th Light Dragoons on 3 August 1822, and subsequently took part in the siege of Bhurtpoor. He was discharged on 31 July 1838, due to length of service in India, at which time he was entitled to reckon forty years 216 days service after the age of 18, including a half period allowance of 13 years 175 days for his service in India. His discharge papers state that he ‘served Twenty Seven Years in the East Indies: Present at the taking of Barwollah Booge, Angar, Dungee, in the Deccan [Pindaree] Campaign and at the Siege of Bhurtpore.’ Sold with copied discharge papers.