Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (Lieut. W. Rutherford, 2nd W.I. Regt. 1873-4) one or two edge bruises, polished, very fine £250-300

William Rutherford, who was born near Dublin, originally enlisted in the 83rd Regiment (afterwards the Royal Irish Rifles) in March 1846, aged just 14 years. And in the new year of 1848, following two weeks in confinement for misdemeanours unknown, he was appointed a Drummer, in which rank he was embarked for the East Indies in May 1849. Here he served without respite until April 1862, gaining advancement to Pay-Master Sergeant in April 1855 and to Colour-Sergeant in April 1858.

Rutherford, described by his C.O., Colonel Hawkes, as ‘a man of very superior address, education and manners’, was successfully recommended for a commission in 1868, being appointed an Ensign in the 2/West India Regiment that October. Advanced to Lieutenant in March 1871, he served in the Ashantee operations of 1873-74, onetime being based at Elmina, and finally retired as an Honorary Major in June 1879.