The ‘Burma War 1885-86’ C.B. group of four awarded to Colonel W. H. B. Kingsley, who commanded the 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment during the campaign, having been previously wounded in the leg at the storming of the inner Taku Fort, China, 21 August 1860

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge, 18 carat gold and enamels, hallmarked London 1887, complete with swivel-ring suspension and gold ribbon bar; China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Lieut. W. H. B. Kingsley. 67th Regt.) officially impressed naming; Afghanistan 1878-80, 2 clasps, Charasia, Cabul (Major W. H. B. Kingsley. 67th Foot); India General Service 1854-94, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (Colonel W. H. B. Kingsley 2d Bn. Hamps. R.) mounted for display, generally good very fine or better (4) £3,000-£4,000

Dix Noonan Webb, December 2012

C.B. London Gazette 25 November 1887

William Henry Bell Kingsley was born on 28 August 1835, and gazetted Ensign in the 67th Foot on 1 June 1855. Promoted to Lieutenant in October 1857, he served with the regiment throughout the China war of 1860, including the action at Sinho, taking of Tongho, and was severely wounded in the leg at the storming of the inner Taku Fort; also present at the surrender of Pekin. Kingsley raised and commanded a regiment of 600 Chinese at Shanghai and was in action during the Taiping Rebellion of 1862-63.

Promoted to Captain in May 1863, he served as A.D.C. to the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope in 1866, and was further promoted to Major in August 1872. Kingsley served with the 67th Foot throughout the Afghan war of 1878-80 and was present in the engagement at Charasia on 6 October 1879, and in the operations around Cabul in December 1879, including the investment of Sherpore (twice mentioned in despatches, and Brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel).

Kingsley commanded the 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, from August 1882 until 1886, including its service in the Burmese Expedition 1885-86, until after the capture of Mandalay (mentioned in despatches, London Gazettes 22 June 1886 and 2 September 1887, and appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath). He was placed on Half Pay in August 1886, and commanded the Derby Regimental District, 1887-90. Kingsley was granted a Distinguished Service Pension on 3 April 1898, for general service. Colonel Kingsley died on 3 October 1901.

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