Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Lieutenant-Colonel F. R. C. Grant, 5th Lancers, late 9th Lancers, who served as Aide de Camp to his uncle, Sir James Hope Grant, in both the Indian Mutiny and in the China campaign

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Delhi, Relief of Lucknow (Lieut. & Adjt. F, R. C. Grant, 9th Lancers); China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Major F. Grant, 5th Lancers, A.D.C.) both fitted with silver riband buckles, very fine, the latter unique to the regiment (2) £1,800-£2,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter Duckers.

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Francis Richard Charles Grant was born in 1834, the third son of Sir Francis Grant, artist and later President of the Royal Academy. He was educated at Rugby School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was admitted a pensioner, 3 February 1851, aged 16, but did not reside. He was appointed Cornet by Purchase in the 9th Lancers on 16 September 1851, and Lieutenant by Purchase on 23 June 1854. He served with the 9th Lancers as Adjutant in the Indian Mutiny, latterly as A.D.C. to his uncle, Sir [James] Hope Grant, and was present at Badli-ki-Serai and throughout the siege and assault of Delhi, where he had two horses shot under him and slightly wounded by a spent ball. He was also present at the battle of Bolundshuhur, action at Allyghur, battle of Agra, action at Kanoge, capture of Meeangunge, operations for the second relief of Lucknow and in several other actions (Medal with two clasps).

He was promoted Captain without Purchase and transferred to the 5th Lancers on 16 March 1858, and served in North China as A.D.C. [with Captain A. H. Anson, 9th Lancers] to his uncle, Sir Hope Grant, throughout the campaign of 1860, and was present in the taking of the Taku Forts and at the capture of Pekin (Brevet of Major; medal with two clasps). He continued as A.D.C. to Sir Hope Grant at Madras from July 1861, and went on sick leave from Madras in 1863. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on 29 December 1871, went on Half Pay in February 1872, and retired by the sale of his commission on 6 February 1874. He attended the Delhi Commemorative Dinners at the Cavalry Club, Piccadilly, in June 1897 and June 1899, and died at his home in Kensington on 10 October 1899.

Grant is mentioned in several publications on the Indian Mutiny and the war in China, most notably in With H.M. 9th Lancers during the Indian Mutiny, by Captain O. H. S. G. Anson, 9th Lancers.