Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Military General Service 1793-1814, 4 clasps, Fuentes D’Onor, Nivelle, Nive, Toulouse (John Ford, Lieut. 79th Foot.) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine £1,800-£2,200

John Ford was appointed Ensign in the 79th Highlanders on 25 May 1809, and promoted to Lieutenant on 30 May 1811. He served in the Walcheren Expedition in 1809, and afterwards in the Peninsula from January 1810 to November 1811, and from April 1813 to April 1814. He was present at the siege of Flushing and the defence of Cadiz, Foz d’Orance, Fuentes d’Onor, Nivelle, Nive and Toulouse. He served as an assistant engineer during four of the campaigns, including Cadiz and San Sebastian.

At the battle of Toulouse, ‘Lieutenant Ford and seven men of the 79th, who were in a detached portion of the work, separated from its front face by a deep road, had their retreat cut off by a whole French regiment advancing along this road in their rear, when one of the men, with great presence of mind, called out “sit down,” which hint was immediately acted on, with the effect of saving the party from being made prisoners, as the enemy supposed them to be wounded, and a French officer shrugged his shoulders in token of inability to render them any assistance!’

He was placed on the half-pay of the 3rd West India Regiment on 15 November 1821, and was later appointed one of the three Captains of Invalids at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Whilst in that appointment he compiled an illustrated MS. book of the captured Flags and Standards displayed at the Royal Hospital.