Orders, Decorations and Medals

Afghanistan 1878-80, 2 clasps, Charasia, Kabul (Surgn. John James la Vettée Morris, A.M. Dept) ‘ée’ corrected, good very fine £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Medical Services formed by Colonel D.G.B. Riddick.

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John James Morris was born at Clonkeen, Co. Kildare, on 8 December 1853. After qualifying as M.D. he entered the Army as a Surgeon in February 1877. Serving in the Afghanistan War of 1878-80, he was present at the battle of Charasia, saw service around Kabul in December 1879, including the defence of Sherpur, expedition to Kohistan and the affair at Childukhtean. For his services he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 30 July 1880). Morris attained the rank of Colonel in November 1903 and retired from the service in September 1908. By Deed Poll, dated 25 November 1885, he assumed the surname of ‘La Vettée de la Dubeterre Morris’ but this change was not registered at the War Office until May 1907.