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Auction: 9022 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 36

x A Fine Mutiny Pair to Major-General T.J. Watson, Indian Army, Who Commanded a Squadron of Hodson´s Horse During the Siege and Capture of Lucknow, and Commanded the 17th Bengal Cavalry During the Jowaki-Afridi Expedition, 1877-8 Indian Mutiny 1857-58, one clasp, Lucknow (Catpn. T.J. Watson 1st E.B.Fusrs.), officially engraved in running script; India General Service 1854-95, two clasps, Bhootan, Jowaki 1877-8 (Captn. T.J. Watson 17th Bengal Cavy.), contact marks, very fine (2) Estimate £ 800-900 Major-General Thomas James Watson (1832-1905), born Cherra-Poonjie, India; educated by the Reverend Richard Hibbs at Corham, Suffolk; commissioned Ensign Indian Army 1851; Lieutenant 1856; served with the 1st Bengal European Fusiliers during the Indian Mutiny and was present at the engagements of Brigadier Thomas Seaton´´s Column between Delhi and Futteghur; transferred from Infantry to Cavalry and Commanded a squadron of Hodson´´s Horse during the siege and recapture of Lucknow; during this period Watson was riding with his brother John, who was the best friend of Lieutenant Hugh Gough (Later Sir Hugh Gough V.C.), John Watson is mentioned many times in Gough´´s book Old Memories; after the capture of Lucknow T.J. Watson served with the Oudh Field Force (Mentioned in Despatches); Captain 1863, he accompanied the Bhootan Expedition as Second in Command of the 17th Bengal Cavalry; advanced Lieutenant-Colonel, 1877; he commanded the 17th Bengal Cavalry during the Jowaki-Afridi Expedition, 1877-78; he also commanded the 17th during the first phases of the 2nd Afghan War (entitled to no clasp medal); his next posting was as Commandant of the 9th Bengal Cavalry, before being posted as Colonel, Officer Commanding 46th Native Infantry, 1881; retired Major-General 1892; he died at the age of 73 in Australia, and is commemorated on a memorial at St. James´´s churchyard, North Down, Devonport, Tasmania.

Sold for
£1,300