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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 366

Pair: Private J. Sproson, 78th Highlanders

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Persia (John Sprossam, 78th Regt.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Lucknow, Defence of Lucknow (J. Sproson, 78th Highlanders), note surname spelling, contact marks, very fine (2)

John Sproson was born in 1824 at Astbury, Cheshire and was a silk weaver upon his joining the 80th Foot at Macclesfield in March 1843. He volunteered for the 78th Highlanders in July 1854 and sailed with them for Persia in January 1857. Landed at Bushire, he served with his unit during the campaign which saw them distinguish themselves at Khushab in particular.

Thence onto India, Sproson shared in the famous actions around Lucknow and was part in the first Relief Force under Sir Henry Havelock. Having captured Lucknow on 25 September 1857, the 78th Highlanders - who numbered a shade over 600 men - thence shared in the epic defence until 22 November. They took the Philips Garden Battery on 2 October and then held it against the rebels; testament to their bravery is such that no less than eight men of the regiment earned the Victoria Cross during the campaign. Having added a year to his service for his part in the Defence of Lucknow, Sproson was tried and convicted for 'habitual drunkenness' in January 1858 & March 1859. Eventually discharged in December 1868, he had been tried by Court Martial six times and his character noted as 'bad'; sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£850

Starting price
£550