Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private J. F. Jones, 9th Lancers

Sutlej 1845-46, for Sobraon 1846, no clasp (Jas. Fred: Jones 9th Lancers); Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (J. F. Jones, 9th Lancers.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Jas. F. Jones, 9th Lancers) the first two with edge bruising and contact marks, therefore good fine, the last nearly very fine (3) £1,200-£1,600

James Frederick Jones was born at Windsor, Berkshire, in 1820, and enlisted into the 4th Light Dragoons at Westminster on 12 August 1841, aged 21, a labourer by trade. He transferred to the 9th Lancers on 14 April 1842, and during his 20 years 43 days service, spent 18 years 8 months in Bengal East Indies, being present in all the actions represented by his campaign awards. His service was that of a normal uneducated soldier of the day, unable to read or write, but able to fight and adjust to the hardships of life on campaign. Good conduct pay was given, taken away and restored, and as usual backdated, such was the value of good fighting men.

He ‘Served in the Sutledge Campaign in 1845-6, and was present at the Battle of Sobraon on the 10th February 1846, Also in the Punjab Campaign in 1848-9, and was present at the passage of the Chenab 4 December 1848, and at the Battles of Chillianwallah 13 January 1849 and Goojerat 21 February 1849. Served in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny in 1858-9 and was present at the operations against Lucknow from 2 to 19 March 1858. Attack on Roorya Fort 15 April. Action at Allegunge 22 April. Capture of Bareilly 5 May. Action near Shahjehanpore 18 May, and pursuit to Mahomdee 24 May 1858 and affair at Kumb-da-Kote 4 January 1859.’

Jones, according to his discharge papers ‘has not been tried by Court Martial’, but nevertheless spent the periods 9-15 August 1860, and 20-26 June 1861, imprisoned for absence. He was finally discharged on 8 October 1861, and admitted to a permanent out-pension of 6d per day on 5 November 1861. Sold with copied discharge papers and other documents.