A scarce China and Indian Mutiny pair awarded to Quartermaster John Burch, Indian Navy

China 1857-60, no clasp (Qr. Mr. John Burch, H.M.S. Auckland I.N.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Qr. Mr. J. Burch, In. Nl. Bde. H.M.P.V. Calcutta) the second with some edge bruising and both with light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (2) £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval and Indian Marine Medals from the Collection of John Tamplin.

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John Burch was born in Lincolnshire in about 1835. He joined the Indian Navy, arriving in India on board the Richard Young in 1855. As a Quartermaster in the H.E.I.C. Ship Auckland he served in China from 7 February to 5 April 1857, subsequently receiving the China medal without clasp. Burch then served during the Indian Mutiny with No. 3 Brigade of the Indian Naval Brigade, Bombay Marine, being borne in H. M. Pendant Vessel Calcutta. This Brigade proceeded up the Ganges but was detained at Berhampore where, with the 90th Regiment, it disarmed the disaffected Sepoys of the 63rd Bengal Native Infantry on 2 August 1857, and of the 11th Regiment Irregular Cavalry on the following day. Later, whilst steaming up river towards Cawnpore, this Brigade fought a six hours’ engagement and shelled the enemy out of their position below Fort Kallykunka. It subsequently relieved the Pearl Brigade at Buxar where, in August 1858, it assisted in defeating a strong force of rebels. Quartermaster Burch received the Indian Mutiny medal without clasp, and was discharged at Calcutta on 6 September 1858.