Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Mooltan, Goojerat (Lieut. B. E. Ward, 60th Rifles) later engraved naming, possibly official, suspension refitted, very fine £400-500

Bernard Edward Ward was born in Berwick, Sussex on 9 January 1827, the son of Rev. Bernard John Ward. He was educated at King William College, Isle of Man and Winchester College. He entered the 60th Rifles as an Ensign without purchase on 1 August 1844 and in July 1845 was despatched with the 1st Battalion to India. Promoted to Lieutenant by purchase in May 1848. Served in the Second Sikh War, being appointed ADC to Brigadier The Hon H. Dundas, Commanding the Bombay Column of the Mooltan Field Force. Served in the expedition under Colonel Bradshaw to Yusafzai to collect fines from the village of Sanghao, December 1849 - for which he was later awarded the India General Service Medal with clasp for North West Frontier. Was in action against Afghans and the storming of Pullee in Zermunde, 14 December 1849 - witnessing the bravery of a Private Burke - who he later wrote was worthy of the V.C. had it been available at that time (Ref. The Annals of The King’s Royal Rifle Corps, Vol. III, p.53).Ward then served in the expedition under Brigadier-General Sir Colin Campbell to punish the Afridis for their attacks on the British, February 1850. Promoted to Captain in March 1855 and awarded the brevet of Major in July the same year, he was posted to the newly raised 3rd Battalion in Ireland. The battalion and Ward was posted to India in 1857. Awarded the brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel in January 1864. Posted to Canada with the 4th Battalion in 1865 and with the 1st Battalion in Canada in 1868. Promoted to Major in March 1867. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Ward retired in May 1869. He married Charlotte Eugenia Smith at Sacombe, Hertfordshire on 31 August 1869. Appointed Justice of the Peace at Hampshire in 1891. Lieutenant-Colonel Ward died on 18 November 1894. With copied family and service details in folder.