Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Sergeant S. Bowins, 54th Regiment of Foot, who survived the Sarah Sands disaster, 11 November 1857

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (1087 Corpl. S. Bowins HM’s. 54th. Regt.) a slightly later issue (see footnote), nearly extremely fine £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Indian Mutiny Medals, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Samuel Bowins was born in Ashford, Kent, in 1824 and attested for the 54th (West Norfolk) Regiment of Foot at Rochester, Kent, on 30 December 1838, aged 14. Appointed a Drummer on 1 June 1845, he was promoted Corporal on 1 April 1851, and embarked aboard the ill-fated Sarah Sands, bound for India, in August 1857, thus becoming embroiled in one of the epic shipwrecks of Victorian times.

Bowins served with the 54th Foot in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny, and was promoted Sergeant on 21 March 1862. He was invalided from the Regiment on 24 February 1863, and discharged on 21 July of that year, ‘worn out the result of long service.’ He was subsequently admitted as an in-pensioner of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, on 1 October 1896, and died on 5 January 1898.

Note: The Indian Mutiny Medal Roll for the 54th Regiment of Foot was submitted in two parts- the first part (L/MIL/5/77) lists 51 Officers and men present at Camp Ballah and is dated 2 October 1858, with the medals distributed on 4 April 1860. The second part (L/MIL/5/92), listing those Officers and men who were not present at Camp Ballah, but who were entitled to the medal (together with the addition of several letters substantiating claims), was forwarded for consideration on 9 November 1870, and the medals were ordered on 21 June 1871. Bowins’ name appears on the second list, and these medals, unlike those issued in 1860, are additionally impressed with the recipient’s service number.

Sold with copied research.