Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

India General Service 1854-95, 2 clasps, Umbeyla, North West Frontier (Lieut. T B. Cole H.Ms. 7th, Regt.) second clasp attached with wire, note incorrect initial, very fine £400-£500

This officer is shown on the roll for the Umbeyla clasp but the roll states ‘not at Umbeyla’.

Francis Burton Owen Cole was appointed as Ensign in the 20th Foot on 24 April 1855, and transferred to the 7th Foot on 4 May 1855, becoming Lieutenant in October 1856, and Captain in May 1863. He served with Brigadier Chamberlain’s Force attached to the 1st Coke’s Rifles against the Mahsud Wazeerees on the North West Frontier during March, April and May, 1860, and was present at the forcing of the Burrara Pass, taking and burning of their stronghold, Mukeen, and various minor engagements (N.W. Frontier medal and clasp). Cole retired in 1873 to take up residence at Llys Merichion, Denbighshore, of which county he became a J.P. and D.L. He died on 12 January 1912.