Auction Catalogue

22 September 2006

Starting at 11:30 AM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

Grand Connaught Rooms  61 - 65 Great Queen St  London  WC2B 5DA

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Lot

№ 1209

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22 September 2006

Hammer Price:
£700

The mounted group of four miniature dress medals attributed to Surgeon J. Jee, V.C., C.B., Seaforth Highlanders

Order of the Bath, Military Division, gold and enamel; Victoria Cross; Indian Mutiny 1857-58, 2 clasps, Def. of Luckw., Lucknow; India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Persia, these ‘continental’ sized miniatures attached by gold rings to a triple strand gold chain complete with fitments, good very fine (4) £700-900

Ex B.D.W. 1 December 1993.

V.C.
London Gazette 8 November 1860. ‘On 25 September 1857, at the relief of Lucknow, India, Surgeon Jee attended to a large number of men wounded in the charge, getting them removed on cots and on the backs of their comrades, until he had found the dhooli-bearers, who had fled. Later, when trying to reach the Residency with the casualties, he was besieged and forced to remain in the Mote Mehal all night. Next day, under heavy fire, he continued to attend the wounded and eventually succeeded in taking many of them through heavy cross-fire safely into the Residency, altough repeatedly warned not to make the attempt’ (Ref. The Register of the Victoria Cross). Sold with copied photographs and research.

Joseph Jee entered the Army as Assistant Surgeon of the 15th Hussars in 1842 and was promoted to Surgeon in the 78th Highlanders in 1854. He served with that regiment in Persia being present at the battle of Kooshab and bombardment of Mohumrah. During the Indian Mutiny he served with General Havelock's column in the actions leading to the first relief of Lucknow for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He subsequently participated in the Defence and final capture of Lucknow. He was awarded the C.B. in 1858, and in 1862 was promoted Surgeon Major. He transferred to the 1st Royal Dragoons in 1864 and was appointed Hon. Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals and retired on half pay on 4 March 1868.