Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow (Gunner John Cameron, 1st Compy. 5th Bn. Bl. Art.) nearly extremely fine £500-£600

John Cameron was born in Belfast, and attested for the East India Company at Southampton, in February 1853. He was assigned to the Bengal Artillery, and arrived in India in September 1853. Cameron served with the 1st Company, 5th Battalion, Bengal Artillery during the Indian Mutiny. Commanded by Captain V. Eyre, it was one of three batteries employed under Havelock to relieve the Residency.

Cameron was wounded in action at the Alum Bagh, 25 September 1875. In this action the Artillery led the way between the Alum Bagh and the Canal Bridge losing one third of number killed or wounded in half an hour. Captain F. C. Maude, who commanded one of the other batteries, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry at the Alum Bagh.

The 1st Company, 5th Battalion subsequently received the Honour Title “Eyre’s Battery”