Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Kirkee and Poona (Capt. R. Thew, Arty.) short hyphen reverse, officially impressed naming, erasure after regiment (probably “Bombay”), otherwise very fine £3,000-£4,000

M.I.D. by Lieutenant-Colonel Burr for the battle of Kirkee, London Gazette 14 April 1818: ‘The “Bombay” and Dapuri artillery under the command of Captain Thew and Lieutenant Laurie rendered the most important services; and the spirited manner in which the guns were served greatly contributed to the rapid success of the day.’

Only two clasps for ‘Kirkee & Poona’ to Artillery officers, that to Lieutenant John Laurie sold in these rooms in November 2015.

Robert Thew was born on 18 April 1788, and was appointed Lieutenant Fireworker in the Bombay Artillery on 4 March 1805; Lieutenant, 16 February 1806; Captain Lieutenant, 7 September 1812; Captain, 1 September 1818; Major, 6 March 1826. He served in Guzerat in 1810; was in command of the Artillery of H.H. the Peshwa 1815-17; served throughout the Mahratta War 1817-19, including the battle of Kirkee, 5 November 1817 (despatches), and capture of Chakun, 28 February 1818 (despatches). Served with the Ordnance Department 1818-21 and was the Agent for Gun Carriage and Superintendent of Factory from 23 May 1821 to 9 June 1827. He retired on 6 August 1829 and died in Kensington, London, on 10 July 1855.