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

The First China War medal to Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Hadfield, 37th Madras N.I.

China 1842 (A. J. Hadfield, Br. Major, 37th Madras Nat. Infantry) good very fine £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Ritchie Collection of H.E.I.C. and British India Medals.

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Alexander James Hadfield, the son of Joseph Hadfield, of Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, was born on 3 December 1808 and educated at Christ’s Hospital. He was nominated for the Madras Army by E. Parry, Esq., on the recommendation of his father, and sailed for India in the Lady East. Posted Ensign in the 37th Madras Native Infantry in February 1827, he became Lieutenant on 17 November 1831. On 7 January 1841, in the wake of the long-running dispute with the Chinese over the importation of opium, Hadfield was employed in the assault and capture of the forts and batteries on the Chuenpi, south of Canton. Major Pratt, commanding the land forces, wrote in his despatch: ‘I ordered two companies of the 37th N.I. ... to scan round a hill to the right of the advance where they encountered the Chinese in some force and drove them away with much loss. Capt. Duff commanding the corps speaks highly of the companies, which he had supported by another named Lieut. Hadfield’ (Calcutta Gazette 24 February 1841 & London Gazette 7 April 1841).

Following the British occupation of Hong Kong in February 1841, and the arrival of considerable reinforcements under Sir Hugh Gough, who took over the military command, Hadfield was present at the capture of Canton on 26 May. In generally expressing his pleasure at the ‘spirited and steady conduct’ of the 37th Madras N.I. on that day, Sir Hugh further added:

‘It fell to the lot of one Company under Lieut. Hadfield to display these qualities in the most praiseworthy manner. Having become disengaged and unable to join his corps during a violent thunder storm, he was surrounded by some thousand Chinese Militia and maintained his ground, altho’ from the heavy fall of rain the men’s firelocks would not go off, until reinforced by two companies of Royal Marines [from HMS Blenheim] with percussion locks ... best thanks is due to Lieut. Hadfield, & to Lieut. Devering & Ensign Berkeley, who zealously supported him during this trying scene.’

Hadfield won further acclaim during the operations before Canton, when he assumed command of a number of troops ‘forgotten by General Gough at night time’. For his initiative on this occasion he was mentioned by name in the House of Commons by the Prime Minister, Lord Stanley, and afterwards in the Lords by the Duke of Wellington.

On account of his distinguished service in China, Hadfield was considered worthy of promotion by Brevet, but as Army regulations did not permit subalterns to be granted Brevet rank for services in the field it was agreed that he should receive a Brevet Majority on attaining the regimental rank of Captain. This was effected on 8 July 1841, the day after he was advanced to his Captaincy. In April 1842, he was appointed Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General, Lord Ellenborough and his successors, and, in December of that year, was awarded a share of twelve months’ batta (field allowance) for his service in China. In July 1844, he was appointed Honorary A.D.C. to the Governor of Bengal. Hadfield returned to regimental duty at Madras in 1846, and was promoted Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel on 11 November 1851. He spent his retirement in the Nilgri Hills, and died on 10 February 1897, at Woodcock Hall, Ooty.

Refs: Hodson Index (NAM); IOL L/MIL/11/43 & 58; IOL L/MIL/9/165.