Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Indian campaign, Long Service and M.S.M. group of five awarded to Troop Sergeant Major, late Hospital Sergeant, Isaac Searle, 14th Light Dragoons

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (Hospital Serjt. I. Searle. 14th Lt. Drgns.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Persia (Hospl. Serjt. I. Searle, 14th King’s Lt. Dgns.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Hospl.-Serjt. I, Searle. 14th Lgt. Drgns.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., small letter reverse (797. Tp. Serjt. Major I. Searle, 14th Hussars); Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Troop Sergt. Mjr. Isaac Searle 14th Hussars.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine or better and a fine group (5) £2000-2600

Isaac Searle was born in the Parish of St Mary’s, Reading, Berkshire, and attested for the 14th Light Dragoons at Heston on 30 March 1841, aged 20 years 6 months. Of his total period of service amounting to 21 years 80 days, he served in the East Indies for 17 years 6 months. He was promoted to Corporal in May 1845; Sergeant, January 1847; Hospital Sergeant, May 1850; Hospital Sergeant & Troop Sergeant Major, May 1857; Troop Sergeant Major, July 1860.

Upon his final discharge at Manchester on 30 June 1862, his papers noted that he ‘served with the Army of the Punjaub in 1848-49 and was present at the affair at Ramnugger, and at the Battles of Chillianwalla and Goojerat. Present at the Surrender of the Sikh Army, the occupation of Attock & Peshawur, and the expulsion of the Affghans beyond the Khyber Pass. Received the Medal for services in the Punjaub Campaign, a Bar for the Battle of Chillianwalla, and 1 for the Battle of Goojerat. Served in the Persian Expedition of 1857. Served with the Central India Field Force in 1857-58, under the Command of Major General Sir Hugh Rose, K.C.B., and was present at the action of Koonch 7th May, Battle of Gollowlie 22nd May, Advance on & Capture of Calpee and pursuit of the Rebels 23rd May, Capture of Morar Cantonments 16th June, and Recapture of Town and Fortress of Gwalior 19 June 1858. Received a Medal & Clasp for Central India. Received a Medal with Gratuity for Good Conduct & Long Service.’

Troop Sergeant Major Isaac Searle was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with Annuity of £10 in 1865. He died at Poole, Dorset, on 27 January 1896, aged 75, his occupation being given as ‘Pottery Secretary and Army Pensioner.’ Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.