Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Gunr. Jas. Storm, 3rd. Tp. H. Bde. Bombay Arty.) minor edge nicks and contact marks, nearly very fine £240-£280

James Storm was born at Urquhart, Morayshire, around 1834, and attested for the Honourable East India Company Artillery at Glasgow on 13 November 1854. Posted initially to the 1st Troop, Bombay Horse Artillery, he soon transferred to the 3rd Troop and served with them in Persia and during the Indian Mutiny. Under the Command of Major-General Stalker, the 3rd Troop took part at the landing at Hallila Bay and Storming of Reshire on 9 December 1856, and the capture of Bushire the following day. Under Sir John Outram, it marched on the entrenched position of Borazgoon and took part in the action at Khooshab on 8 February 1857.

On 14 December 1857, 3rd Troop marched from Karachi to Nasirabad, via Hyderabad and Rohri, and here it joined the Rajputana Field Force under Major-General Roberts. Present at the capture of Kotah, the expedition to Pardowa and re-capture of Chanderi on 27 May 1858, the Troop saw considerable further action with the Central India Field Force. This included the action at Kotah ki Serai on 17 June 1858; the siege and capture of Gwalior between 18 and 20 June 1858; the capture of Paori and pursuit of Man Singh; and the actions at Sindwano, Kuraie and Koondraiiee on 14 November 1858.

Promoted Bombardier, Corporal and later, ‘Roughrider’ of the Troop, Storm’s steady advance was somewhat hampered by character and alcohol. He was discharged at Maidstone on 18 May 1869, and likely returned to civilian employment as a painter.

Sold with copied Army Service Record and extensive research which notes that a man of similar details was admitted to the St. Pancras Workhouse on 18 July 1910.