Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Alexr. McLaren, 72nd Highlanders.) very fine £240-£280

Alexander McLaren, a boot closer from West Church, Edinburgh, was born in January 1829 and attested into the 72nd Highlanders in March 1846. His 21 years’ service included two years in the West Indies, three years in North America, eight years in India, and five months in the Crimea in 1856 - too late to qualify for the campaign medal. During the Indian Mutiny he served with his regiment at the siege of Kotal, and the battles of Bunass and Oodeypore. He was discharged on 17 March 1868 with good conduct, despite his habitual drunkenness which caused him to appear before four court martials, with his name recorded in the regimental defaulter’s book on some 36 occasions.

Sold with copy service papers and medal roll extract.