Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Lieut. M. Ramsay, 36th Bengal N.I.) toned, good very fine £380-£420

Provenance: Watters Collection 1913; Wadey Collection 1968.

Marmaduke Ramsay was born at Boulogne sur Mer on 10 March 1837, son of Sir Alexander Ramsay and Elizabeth. He was recommended for the H.E.I.C. Army by his uncle and guardian Lord Panmure and was gazetted Ensign in the 36th Bengal Native Infantry on 20 March 1855; Lieutenant, 31 May 1857; Captain, 20 March 1867; Major, 20 March 1875; Lieutenant-Colonel, 21 March 1881.

According to his own statement of service he was ‘present with my regiment the 36th Native Infantry on the occasion of its mutiny with the other troops stationed at Jullundar in June 1857, and accompanied Brigadier Johnstone’s column in pursuit. Joined the Loyal Poorbeah Regiment, now 17th Bengal Native Infantry, on its being raised and served as Adjutant till January 1860. To Staff Corps 1861. Retired 22nd October 1882.’

Ramsay was a prominent freemason and was District Grand Master of the Punjab, 1874-1881; was appointed Grand Superintendent of the District Grand Chapter, Malta, 1881; District Grand Master Member of the Thirty-Second Degree, Malta, 1888; Eminent Preceptor of the Knights Templar of Malta, Melita preceptory, and Intendant General of the Masonic Order of the Red Cross of Constantinople, in 1891.

Colonel Marmaduke Ramsay died on 23 January 1893, and is buried in Ta Braxia cemetery, Malta.