The Brian Ritchie Collection of H.E.I.C. and British India Medals

The Second China War medal to Veterinary Surgeon John Field, Fane’s Horse

China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Vety. Surgn. J. Field, Regt. of Fane’s Horse) officially impressed naming, edge bruise, otherwise better than very fine £400-500

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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John Field was born in 1835 and baptised on August 12th of that year in the Parish of Saint Marylebone, Middlesex. He was the son of William Field, Veterinary Surgeon, of Old Quebec Street. Nominated a Veterinary Surgeon on the Bengal Establishment by Colonel Oliphant on 18 January 1859, John Field arrived at Calcutta in July 1859 and proceeded in charge of Remounts to Umballa. In December 1859, he was posted to 2nd Troop 3rd Brigade Bengal Horse Artillery and marched at once for Jubbulpore. On arriving at Saugor in March 1860, he received orders to join :Fane’s Horse” 19 Bengal Cavalry, en route to China.

Field served with Fane’s Horse during their stay in China and was present at the actions of ‘Sinho, Takoo Forts, actions of the 18th and 21st September, 1860, and at the occupation of Pekin’. He was subsequently posted to Meean Meer, Artillery Division, which he joined in March 1862. In April 1863 he was granted leave to Europe on sick certificate. He transferred from the Bengal Establishment to the Royal Horse Artillery on 30 March 1866, went on temporary half pay in April 1874, and resigned on 22 April 1877.

Refs: IOL L/MIL/9/433; L/MIL/10/77; Hart’s Army Lists.