Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Abyssinia 1867 (Vety. Surgn. J. H. Kettle, British Army) suspension re-fixed, suspension ring with solder repair and non-swivelling, pitted through fire damage (?), nearly very fine £400-£500

James H. Kettle was born at Woolwich on 4 August 1843, and graduated from Edinburgh on 25 April 1866. He was appointed Veterinary Surgeon with the Royal Artillery on 11 January 1867. He transferred to the 19th Hussars in December 1871 and to the Army Veterinary Department in September 1881. Promoted Veterinary Surgeon 1st Class in August 1877 and Veterinary Lieutenant-Colonel in January 1896. Kettle served in the Abyssinian Campaign 1867 and was mentioned in Major-General G. Malcolm’s despatch of 30 June 1868: ‘Veterinary Surgeons Kettle, Wilson and Blake have efficiently superintended the care of the sick mules at Facoda and in the neighbourhood of Senafe and Antalo. Mr Kettle had in the absence of other officers several times charge of the Facoda Station, and I have had reason to observe his careful arrangements of his sick mules.’ He afterwards served in India from September 1868 to February 1871, and from September 1881 to April 1886. He was placed on retired pay on 4 August 1898, having attained 55 years of age. Veterinary Lieutenant-Colonel Kettle died at 12 Kenilworth Court, Putney, London, on 6 November 1912.

With copied roll extracts and research.