Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow (T, McGuire. 2nd Bn. Mily. Train) suspension post re-pinned, edge bruising and contact wear, otherwise nearly very fine £380-£420

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter Duckers.

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The 2nd Military Train was en route to the war in China when it was diverted to Calcutta on news of the Mutiny outbreak. On arrival it was immediately converted to Light Cavalry, using horses from a recently disarmed native regiment. It served entirely as Light Cavalry throughout the campaign, and with great distinction at a time when the British forces were very short of cavalry. The regiment was awarded two Victoria Crosses for the action at Azimgurh, and was also present at the defence of the Alum Bagh, Lucknow, when it captured two guns in a cavalry charge which was cheered by the onlooking soldiers. The regiment received the highest compliments for its services from the Governor General upon its departure from India after the campaign.

Thomas McGuire was born in the Parish of Rath Keale, County Limerick, and enlisted there for the 88th Regiment on 10 February 1854, aged 17 years 11 months, a labourer by trade. He transferred to the Military Train on 1 December 1856, and served with this unit in the Indian Mutiny at Lucknow and at Alum Bagh (Medal with 2 clasps). On 24 February 1858, he was imprisoned awaiting trial, tried and sentenced to 50 lashes for drunkenness on duty, the punishment being duly inflicted he was released on 2 March 1858. With the exception of three days in the cells for insolence in May 1862, his conduct thereafter was good. He transferred to the Army Service Corps on 15 February 1870 and was discharged on 11 July 1876, being then in possession of five Good Conduct Badges and the Indian Mutiny Medal and clasps for Lucknow and Relief of Lucknow. Sold with copied discharge papers and a copy of Peter Duckers’ article The Military Train 1857-59.