Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Colonel E. Balfe, Indian Staff Corps, Indian Army, late 27th and 49th Regiments of Foot, who was twice ‘Mentioned’ for his administrative prowess in hostile environments, and subsequently served as Judge Advocate of India

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Hazara 1891 (Major E. Balfe S.C.); India General Service 1895-1902, 2 clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (Lieutt.-Coll: E. Balfe. I.S.C.) good very fine (2) £500-£700

Edmund Balfe was born on 10 June 1846 and was appointed Ensign in the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot on 30 June 1869. Transferred to the 49th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Regiment of Foot 27 April 1870, he was raised Lieutenant 28 October 1871 and posted to the Bombay Staff Corps in October 1872. Promoted Captain, Balfe passed Staff College in December 1882, his reference noting his intelligence, steadiness, and skill as a draughtsman and surveyor, adding: ‘He is a good rider, but does not seem to care about out-door sports, nor does he mix much in general society, in consequence of which his manner is somewhat unformed and peculiar.’

In consequence of the recommendations, Balfe was appointed to Staff as Deputy Judge Advocate for Bombay from 22 June 1883 to 31 March 1888. Transferred to Bengal as Assistant Judge Advocate General, he took part in the Hazara Expedition of 1891 and was mentioned in the despatch of Major-General W. K. Elles on 20 October 1891. The London Gazette adds: ‘Major E. Balfe’s duties as Provost-Marshal were light in respect to the administration of discipline. In the matter of sanitation they were more arduous. I am indebted to him for acting as my Judge-Advocate and legal advisor.’

Appointed Deputy Judge Advocate General for Madras in 1894, Balfe passed final examination at Staff College, Sandhurst, and served from 1897 until 1898 as Principal Provost Marshal with the Tirah Expeditionary Force; he was further mentioned in despatches by General Sir W. S. A. Lockhart in the London Gazette of 5 April 1898. Appointed wing officer to the 12th Bombay Native Infantry, Balfe was raised Colonel and appointed Judge Advocate of India from 1899 to 1903, being further entitled to the Delhi Durbar 1903 Medal.

Sold with extensive copied research.