Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow (Sapper Jas. Vercoe, Royal Engrs.) suspension post repaired, edge bruising, nearly very fine £400-£500

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

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James Vercoe was born in 1836 in St. Columb, Cornwall. He was a sawyer by trade and attested for the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners at Falmouth on 14 March 1855 aged 19 years and 1 month. Vercoe was posted to the newly formed 23rd Company, Royal Engineers which embarked for the war in China in 1857. Upon arriving in Singapore the company was diverted to India where the forces were much in need of engineer support following the outbreak of the Mutiny.

The 23rd Company, commanded by Captain A. J. Clerke, landed at Calcutta on 11 August 1857 and joined the force being assembled by Sir Colin Campbell for the recapture of Lucknow. The company saw severe fighting while serving with Sir Colin Campbell’s force throughout the initial relief in November 1857 and subsequent second phase recapture of the city in March 1858. The company also suffered tragedy when 22 men, including their commanding officer, Captain Clerke, and Captain Brownlow, were killed in a gunpowder explosion at Jumma Musjid on 18 March 1858. Following the capture of Lucknow, the 23rd Company was employed on many other operations against the mutineers.

Vercoe completed 2 years and 292 days’ service with the 23rd Company, Royal Engineers in India before returning to England. He later served in British North America for 8 years and 208 days before being discharged, unfit for further service, on 6 October 1873 having served over 18 years with the Regiment. His discharge documents list a variety of ailments including being ‘ruptured on the public works at Point Levis, Quebec on 4th February 1870’. Also listed are his twenty two appearances in the Regimental Defaulters Book and three Court Martials. Somewhat surprisingly, therefore, he is also shown to be in possession of two good conduct badges and his conduct is described as ‘fair’.

Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.