Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Riding Master James Eldridge, 7th Bengal Light Cavalry, who was murdered in the Residency at Lucknow by his friend, Sergeant-Major Keogh, of the same regiment, during a domestic dispute

Cabul 1842 (Q’M Sergt. J. Eldridge - 10 Regiment Lt. Cavy.) contemporary engraved naming, fitted with original steel clip and bar suspension; Maharajpoor Star 1843 (Qr. Mr. Serjt. J. Eldridge 10th Regt. Light Cavalry) fitted with contemporary adapted silver bar suspension, both medals with old but fragile ribbons and silver suspension brooches, good very fine (2) £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late Tim Ash.

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James Eldridge enlisted in England for the 11th Light Dragoons, then serving in India, on 20 September 1829. He joined the regiment at Cawnpore on 13 November 1830, and was discharged as a Corporal on 1 September 1837, when he enlisted into the H.E.I.C. Service (Town Major’s List). He was promoted to Sergeant and appointed Quarter Master Sergeant to the 10th Bengal Light Cavalry at Muttra. He served in this capacity during the First Afghan War of 1840-42, including the recapture of Cabul, and later at the battle of Maharajpoor during the Gwalior Campaign of 1843. He served with the 10th Bengal Light Cavalry until May 1850 when he was promoted from Sergeant-Major of the Regiment to be Assistant Riding Master to the Remount Depot at Karnaul. In December 1850 he was promoted to be Riding Master and posted to the 7th Bengal Light Cavalry at Peshawur.

The 7th Light Cavalry was disbanded at Lucknow on 12 June 1857, on the discharge of its remaining native ranks. Eldridge remained in the Residency at Lucknow and was murdered there on 15 June 1857 by Sergeant-Major Michael Keogh, of the 7th Light Cavalry, during a domestic dispute. He was shot through the body by Keogh with a pistol and died some hours later. Before his death he forgave Keogh with the words, ‘You are a good fellow, Keogh, and I am sure you never intended this’. They had served together since 1851 and were reputed to be close friends. Eldridge was buried at Lucknow on 16 June by the Rev. James Harris, Senior Chaplain.

This unfortunate incident is amply recorded in the many diaries of events at Lucknow during the siege. Sergeant-Major Keogh was initially placed in confinement but was released for service at the commencement of the siege. Directed to do duty with the Artillery under Captain A. P. Simons, he was struck by a round-shot in the Redan Battery and died of wounds on 4 October.

Riding Master James Eldridge, though not technically an original defender, as he died before the close investment commenced on 29 June, does, however, appear on the Medal Roll of deceased Officers and Men of the Original Garrison of the Residency of Lucknow. However, it may well be that his medal was never claimed or issued.

Sold with a comprehensive file of research.