Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Waterloo 1815 (Ensign John Clarke, 54th Regiment Foot) fitted with original steel clip and replacement silver bar suspension, light contact marks, otherwise very fine £3,000-£3,600

Provenance: The Armoury 1986; Army of India Medal, Christie’s, July 1987.

John Clark/Clarke was appointed Ensign in the 54th Foot on 2 June 1814; Lieutenant, 27 November 1821; Captain, 29 August 1826; Major, 25 December 1829; Bt. Lieutenant-Colonel, 23 November, 1841; Bt. Colonel, 29 June 1854; Major-General, 26 October 1858.

Ensign Clark was present at Waterloo in reserve at Hal, at the siege of Cambrai and with the Army of Occupation Medal). He also served in India until 1840 and was Captain and Brigade Major during the war in Burma where he was present at Rangoon, Kemmendine, Kamaroot and Mahattee. He led the attack on the fortified heights at Aracan, and was severely wounded in the neck, arm and left side (Medal with clasp).

He was made a Knight of Hanover and at the time of his death, 22 March 1865, was honorary Colonel of the 59th Foot, and had served in the army for 51 years. He was buried in St Andrew’s Churchyard, Hove, Sussex.