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

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (J. Dunns, 42nd Rl. Highlanders) nearly extremely fine £500-600

2934 Private James Dunns, 42nd Highlanders, was dangerously wounded in the disastrous attack on the Fort of Ruhya on 15 April 1858; he died of his wounds on 28 April (the published Indian Mutiny Casualty roll states he died the same day).

The fort was attacked without any attempted reconnaissance and the affair ended in a most severe loss. Brigadier Adrian Hope of the 93rd was killed, as were two officers of the 42nd and Lieutenant Willoughby, who commanded the Sikhs, and nearly 100 men, Highlanders and Sikhs. The attacking force retired, leaving a number of dead in the ditch before the fort, mostly 42nd and Sikhs. During the night these unfortunate souls were stripped and horribly mutilated, their bodies being recovered the next day and buried that afternoon.

The 42nd won three Victoria Crosses in the attack on Ruhya. A fourth V.C. was gazetted in 1907 to Private Edward Spence, who was killed while assisting to bring in the body of Lieutenant Willoughby, and presented to his relatives by King Edward VII.