Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private Francis Titterton, Gordon Highlanders, who, after leaving the Army, was for many years groom to Field-Marshal Sir George White

Afghanistan 1878-80, 3 clasps, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (1668. Pte. F. Titterton, 92nd Highrs.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1668 Private F. Titterton 92nd Highlanders); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1668. Pte. F. Titterton, Gord: Highrs.) contact marks and pitting from star, therefore good fine and better (3) £600-£700

Frances Titterton was born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, and enlisted for the 92nd Highlanders at Liverpool on 24 October 1867, for 12 years, aged 19, a servant by trade. He served abroad in the East Indies from 26 January 1868 to 30 March 1879; in Afghanistan from 31 March 1879 to 18 October 1880; in the East Indies from 19 October 1880 to 29 January 1881; and in South Africa from 30 January 1881 to 29 January 1882. His services in Afghanistan are given in a printed Certificate pasted into his service book and endorsed by Major H. F. Cotton, Commanding ‘A’ Company:

‘Afghan Campaign 1878-79-80. 1879 - Action of Charasia, 6th October. Pursuit of the Enemy, 8th October. Expedition to Maidan, November. Operations against the Enemy from 10th to 23rd December, including Assault and Capture of Takht-i-Shah, 13th, and Assault of the Asmai Heights, 14th December, and Action of December 23rd. 1880 - Action of Childukhtian, 25th April. The March from Kabul to Kandahar, in August. The Reconnaissance at Kandahar, 31st August. Battle of Kandahar, 1st September.’
On another page it confirms his medals and clasps and also notes service in South Africa during the First Boer War, including the action at Majuba on 27 February 1881. Titterton was discharged at Belfast on 26 October 1888, having served a total of 21 years and one day.

Sold with original Account Book, Parchment Certificates of Discharge and Character, confirming all medals, four Marriage or related certificates, letter of recommendation, an edition of The Roperie News with an obituary which confirms his service as groom to Field-Marshal White, and a small photograph of Titterton wearing his medals.

For the medals awarded to the recipient’s son, Private W. H. Titterton, Army Service Corps, see Lot 352.