Medals from the Collection of Gordon Everson

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Captn. R. Poore, 8th Hussars) minor edge nicks, otherwise nearly extremely fine £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Gordon Everson.

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Robert Poore was born in Naples on 5 May 1834, and educated privately and at R.M.C. Sandhurst, January 1849 to November 1851. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the 80th Regiment on 5 December 1851, and transferred to the 8th Hussars as a Cornet on 30 January 1852. Promoted to Lieutenant on 19 January 1855, he served with the 8th Hussars at Ismid, Turkey, in 1855-56, after the Crimean war, and in India during the Indian Mutiny. In Rajpootana and Central India he was present at the capture of Kotah, the re-occupation of Chundaree, the battle of Kotah-ki-Serai, the capture of Gwalior, the siege of Powrie and the action at Bejapore.

At the battle of Kotah-ki-Serai on 17 June 1858, Poore was second-in-command of the Squadron under Captain Heneage, when it made a brilliant charge through the enemy’s entrenchments, carrying everything before them. In this charge, the Rani of Jhansi and her sister, both dressed as sowars, were killed. The Rani was the best and bravest military leader of the rebels. Upon their return, both officers and men were so completely exhausted and prostrated from heat, fatigue and great exertion that they could scarcely sit on their saddles and were for the moment incapable of further effort. Captain Heneage was overcome by sun-stroke, Lieutenant Reilly died almost immediately from exhaustion, and Captain Poore assumed command and remained with the Squadron until the guns were brought away. At this critical moment the enemy were collecting both on the front and flanks, and the squadron, in spite of their fatigue, formed line to the front, and, in order to show a greater front, were formed in single ranks.

Four Victoria Crosses were awarded for this action, by ballot, the balloting being by ranks - officers for officers, sergeants for sergeants, etc. Captain Poore had little option but to cast his vote in favour of his senior officer, and consequently Captain Heneage received the coveted decoration; Sergeant Ward, Farrier Hollis and Private Pearson being the other recipients. Captain Poore received special mention for very gallant conduct and unyielding resolution in remaining in the saddle under a burning sun for several hours; and although so ill as to be fit for the sick report, bringing himself (the other officers being disabled by sickness) and the squadron in good order to the camp under a heavy cross-fire from the enemy’s guns.

At the action at Beejapur on 5 September 1858, Captain Poore was severely wounded by a cut on the left wrist, his horse’s ear was slashed, the headstall and both reins being nearly cut through, but he brought his command back before reporting his wound. He was given a Brevet Majority and was later awarded a wound pension of £150. Regimental Sergeant-Major James Champion was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in this action.

Brevet Major Poore was on sick leave in Europe from the end of that year until December 1859, after which he served with his regiment in India until April 1862, when he returned to England. He retired on 28 October 1864, and settled in Wiltshire where he became a J.P. and County Councillor. He died at Bournemouth on 22 January 1918, and was buried in the family vault in Durrington Church, Wiltshire.

The medal is sold with copy typescripts of his letters home to his family between June 1854 and December 1858, comprising approximately 210 pages.