Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Colour Sergeant J. Switzer, 96th Regiment of Foot, late King’s Royal Rifle Corps

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Mooltan, Goojerat (J. Switzer, 1st. Bn. 60th. R. Rifles.) file marks to rivets of retaining rod; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2248 Color Serjt. James Switzer 96th. Foot) file marks to the ‘R’ of ‘Color’, mounted court-style for display, suspension claw re-affixed on latter, heavy contact marks, therefore fair to fine, the LS&GC better (2) £600-£800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Robert Barltrop Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment.

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James Switzer was born at Alresford, Hampshire, in 1828 and attested for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 9 July 1846. He served with the 1st Battalion in India during the Second Sikh War, taking part in the Siege of Mooltan and the Battle of Goojerat, before transferring to the 96th Regiment of Foot on 1 February 1850, in order to serve alongside his elder brother. He was promoted Corporal on 24 April 1853; Sergeant on 6 May 1853; and Colour Sergeant on 31 March 1857. He was discharged on 22 October 1867, after a total of 21 years and 14 days’ service, of which 8 years and 8 months had been spent in India. Following his retirement from the army he was appointed drill instructor to the 1st Carmarthenshire Rifle Volunteer Corps. He died on 14 January 1871 at Llandeilo.

Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.