Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Ava (Lieut. Alex. MacLeod, 1st Cavy.) short hyphen reverse, officially impressed naming, edge bruising and light contact marks, otherwise very fine £600-800

Alexander MacLeod was born at Kilfinan in Argyllshire in September 1804 and was educated at Edinburgh High School and University. Appointed a Cornet in the 1st Madras Cavalry in February 1821, he was advanced to Lieutenant in May 1824, on the eve of his participation in the Ava operations.

Between 1826-33, MacLeod served variously as Riding-Master, Interpreter and Adjutant of the 5th Madras Cavalry, but did not see further action until the Canara insurrection in 1836, when he received the thanks of the Government of Madras:

‘That Captain McLeod, with the Hon. Mr. Dumerque, with a party of irregular horse, were of essential service in clearing that part of the district which borders on Nugger of the insurgents who had invaded it preventing the extention of disaffection.’

He had, meanwhile, transferred to the 6th Madras Light Cavalry, but for moment, in the wake of the insurrection, officiated as the Superintendent of Nugger, and, in early 1839, as the Military Assistant to the Commissioner for Mysore.

Going on to enjoy steady advancement with the 6th Madras Light Cavalry over the coming years, including being given the Brevet of Colonel in June 1857, he finally retired as an Honorary Major-General in December 1861. MacLeod died at Rothesay in July 1876.