Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

China 1842 (J. J. Sargent. Br. Major, 18th R. Irish Reg. Infantry.) replacement German-silver straight bar suspension, good very fine £1,200-£1,400

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, February 2016.

John James Sargent was born in Limerick, Ireland in 1789. He was commissioned Ensign in the 60th Foot in October 1809, and advanced to Lieutenant the following year. Sargent served with the Regiment in the West Indies, and was commended for his service against rebels in Martinique in 1811. He subsequently served in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Quebec and the East Indies.

Sargent was elected Freeman-at-Large of Limerick in January 1817, and transferred to the 89th Foot in August 1822. Subsequent service included with the 41st, 69th, 19th and 58th Regiments of Foot. Sargent transferred as Captain to the 18th Royal Irish Regiment in December 1838. He served as part of a small composite force that left Madras to blockade Canton in June 1840. Sargent was wounded taking part in the charge on the forts and the storming of the city walls, 25 May 1841 (Brevet Major).

In June 1843 a vote of thanks was passed by Limerick City Common Council to “amongst others serving in the China War, Major John Sargent and his son Ensign Edward Sargent both of the R. Irish Regt.”

Sargent died in Hong Kong, aged 54, in 1844. Two of his four sons went on to be Generals in the army, with his youngest retiring as Lieutenant General, Commander of British Troops in China, Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements.

Sold with copied research.