Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Capt. G. Bennett, 1st Bn. 20th Regt.) edge nicks, good very fine £700-£900

Provenance: H. Y. Usher Collection.

George Bennett was born at Thomas Town, King’s County, Ireland, on 7 April 1827, and was commissioned Ensign in the 5th Fusiliers, by purchase, on 29 December 1846. He was promoted Lieutenant on 8 November 1852, before exchanging into the 20th Foot on 14 January 1853. He served with his new Regiment during the Crimean War, and was present at the battles of Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann, being severely wounded at the latter on 5 November 1854 by a musket ball to the thigh. Promoted Captain on 29 December 1854, for his services in the Crimea he received the Crimea Medal with 3 clasps; the Ottoman Order of the Medjidie, Fifth Class; and Turkish Crimea Medal.

During the Indian Mutiny, Bennett was present at the actions of Chanda, Ameerapore and Sultanpore (as Orderly Officer to Brigadier F. C. Evelegh), the siege and capture of Lucknow, and subsequent operations in Oudh, and the affairs of Churda and Fort Musjeedia (Mentioned in Major-General Sir James Outram’s Despatch of 22 March 1858; and promoted Brevet Major).

The Regimental History gives the following for Bennett’s involvement, in and around Lucknow:
‘On the 16th [March 1858], the 20th was attached to Sir James Outram’s division, and took part in the capture of the Residency, crossing the Goomtee by a bridge of casks opposite the Secunderbagh. The Residency was taken after a very slight resistance, and in this affair eleven men were wounded... Three companies of the regiment, under Captain Bennett, formed part of a force which was commanded by Sir James Outram on the 19th. At half-past six am the rebels were attacked and driven out of Gao Ghat; thence the troops proceeded without opposition through the suburbs towards Moosa Bagh. On reaching some open ground the enemy were found in great strength, and at once opened fire with two guns, but took to flight on the approach of our skirmishers. The cavalry followed in pursuit, and the artillery were sent back under the charge of Captain Bennett and three companies of the 20th.’

Advanced Lieutenant-Colonel, Bennett died at Great Crosby, Liverpool, in November 1867.

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