Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

Pair: Major-General G. N. Johnstone, Indian Army

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (Lieutt., 1st Regt. M.N.I.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Lieut., 1st Regt. N.I.), together with related miniature dress medals, the second a slightly later but officially impressed issue, edge bruising, otherwise very fine and better (4) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the collection of Angela and the late Douglas Bertram.

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George Nassau Johnstone was born in Kilkenny in November 1828, the son of a clergyman. Nominated for a cadetship in the East India Company’s Madras Infantry, he passed the Military Committee at East India House in London in March 1844, and arrived at Madras in July of the following year.

Posted to the 1st Madras Native Infantry, he was advanced to Lieutenant in June 1847 and witnessed active service in the 2nd Burmese War, 1852-53 and in the Indian Mutiny. In the latter conflict he served in the Saugor Field Division and was present at Kubrai in April 1858 and at the battle of Banda two days later, in addition to the taking of Kirwee and the engagement at Imleepanee.

Johnstone, who was appointed to the Madras Staff Corps in February 1861, was advanced to Captain in July 1863 and to Major in June 1865, and shortly thereafter served as Joint Magistrate at Bellary. Next appointed a Wing Officer in the 41st Madras Native Infantry, he returned to the U.K. on extended furlough in July 1869 and was advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel in June 1871. Having, at length, gone back to India, he became a full Colonel in June 1876 and Commandant of the 29th Madras Native Infantry in December 1879. Johnstone retired as a Major-General in December 1880 and died eight years later.

See Lot 457 for other family awards.