Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine set of contemporary miniature medals representative of the entitlement of Farrier Sergeant Thomas Lucas, Bengal Horse Artillery

Maharajpoor Star 1843; Sutlej 1845-46, 2 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Sobraon; Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Goojerat, Chilianwala; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse, all unnamed, minor scratches and wear to Punjab medal, nearly very fine, the remainder good very fine and better (5) £200-£240

Thomas Lucas was born in the Parish of Drumcliff, Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, around 1819. A tailor by profession, he enlisted at Limerick for unlimited service with the Army of the Honourable East India Company on 20 June 1839, sailing for India aboard Repulse shortly thereafter. Present at the Battles of Maharajpoor, Moodkee, Ferozeshah, and Sobraon, the Passage of Chenab and Ramnagar 3-4 December 1848, Chilianwala and Goojerat, Lucas further served in the Rohilcund campaign. This included the action at Bugawalla, the capture and destruction of Najibabad, the Battle of Nagina, the relief of Moradabad and the relief of the garrison at Shahjehanpore.

Raised Farrier Sergeant, Lucas was discharged at Woolwich from 4th Division Royal Artillery Depot Brigade on 23 April 1863. In possession of five good conduct badges, the recipient’s Army Service Record notes a pension of 2 shillings per day and his intended place of residence as 5, Bellvue, Grand Canal, Dublin.

For the recipient’s full-sized Maharajpoor Star, see Lot 588.