Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Defence of Lucknow (J. Bailey, 32nd L.I.), naming off-centre, some edge bruising, in part caused by the naming being so close to the rim, light contact marks, very fine £1200-1500

James Bailey enlisted into the 32nd Regiment in October 1838 and served with them in the Second Sikh War and the Indian Mutiny, being an original defender at Lucknow.

His conduct throughout his military career was not of the highest order and he was several times tried by civil and military courts for a variety of misdemenours. It is recorded that in August 1857, during the siege, he was tried by District Court Martial for stealing from an officer; he was convicted and sentenced to 50 lashes; luckily, the sentence was commuted to 42 days imprisonment and later cancelled.

It is recorded on his discharge papers that he ‘Served in the 1st & 2nd siege operations against Mooltan in 1848. Present at the Battle of Goojerat, 21 Feby. 1849. Served in the defence of the Residency, Lucknow from 1st July to 22 November 1857. Wounded severely by round shot in right side on 29 Sept. 1857’. Invalided to England, he was discharged at Chatham on 5 August 1858, being unfit for further service, a consequence of the wound he received. Sold with copied discharge papers and extracts from rolls.