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Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 109

India General Service 1895-1908, 3 clasps, Relief of Chitral 1895, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (Lieutt. R. E. Travers. 2nd. Bn. 4th Gurkhas.), good very fine

Robert Eaton Travers was born on 13 December 1869, the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Ernest Augustus Belford Travers, Madras Staff Corps. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant into The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) on 23 March 1889 and advanced Lieutenant, 12 February 1891. Transferred to the Indian Staff Corps, 2nd Battalion, 4th Gurkha Rifles on 10 February 1892, he was made Captain, 23 March 1900, Major, 23 March 1907 and Lieutenant-Colonel on 23 March 1915. Travers served with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Gurkha Rifles for which he earned these three clasps to his Medal.

Relief of Chitral 1895

The 2nd Battalion, 4th Gurkha Rifles (2/4GR) was the only Gurkha battalion to take an active part in the Relief of Chitral. It formed part of the Chitral Relief Force and later, with no news from the beleaguered garrison, became part of a strong flying column that was to push ahead with all speed. An advanced element of the flying column, which included a company of 2/4GR, eventually reached Chitral, which had already been relieved by a column of Indian Pioneers days earlier. In addition to the campaign medal for the Relief of Chitral, the Regiment was awarded the Battle Honour 'CHITRAL'.

Punjab Frontier 1897-98 & Tirah 1897-98

2/4GR formed part of the 1st Division, which crossed the Samana Range in October 1897 and entered Tirah, the first ever by a British force, and engaged with the rebellious tribes. Over the next six months the Battalion took part in a number of stiff actions and skirmishes as well as destruction of village towers, foraging expeditions, reconnaissances and convoy protection duties until the warring tribes submitted. In addition to the campaign medal for the Punjab Frontier 1897-98 & Tirah 1897-98, the Regiment was also awarded the Battle Honours 'TIRAH' and 'PUNJAB FRONTIER'.

Transferred to the 1st Battalion, 4th Gurkha Rifles in 1907, he attended the Delhi Durbar in 1911 (Medal). With the outbreak of the Great was he in command of the 1st Battalion on its deployment to France, via Egypt (1914-15 Star Trio). Evacuated sick to England in 1915, Travers was subsequently appointed Cable Censor in Madras and retired on 13 June 1921. Known as 'T' within 4th Gurkha Rifles; described as an officer beloved by all officers and men, big hearted, full of comradeship, kindliness and hospitality. He served as an Air Raid Precaution Billeting Officer and Section Supervisor in 1939. Travers died at home in St Margaret's Bay, Kent, after a long illness, 9 March 1948. Survived by his wife, Mabel Hall, whom he married in Simla, 30 October 1895, immediately after Chitral campaign.


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Sold for
£480

Starting price
£210