Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Defence of Lucknow (Corpl. C. E. Jones, 32nd L.I.) good very fine

Ex Payne Collection.

Charles Edward Jones was born in the Parish of St Alkmund, Shropshire, in June 1832, and enlisted into the 9th Foot at Shrewsbury on 17 November 1849. He transferred to the 32nd Light Infantry in October 1852, presumably to join his brother Thomas who had enlisted in 1846 (2815 Private) and had seen action in the Punjab with the 32nd Light Infantry.

Both brothers were killed in action at Chinhut on 30 June 1857, the circumstances of their death being witnessed and recorded by Private Henry Metcalf of the 32nd (vide Chronical of Private Henry Metcalf, p. 29-30): ‘Another instance of brotherly love and self sacrifice. A bony young man, by name Jones, was being conveyed back on a gun carriage after being wounded. Saw his brother being struck down with a bullet from the enemy, and without the least warning he jumped off the limber on which he was riding and joined his brother to be killed with him.’