Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Private R. Wycherly, 14th Light Dragoons, who was wounded by a musket ball at Rathghur on 24 January 1858

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (R, Wycherly. 14th. Lgt. Drgns.) with contemporary decorative top silver riband bar, minor edge bruising, better than very fine £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Indian Mutiny Medals, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Richard Wycherly was born in Newport, Shropshire, in 1821 and attested for the 14th Light Dragoons on 14 August 1840. He served for 17 years and 6 months in India, and saw active service during the Second Sikh War, 1848-49, ‘where he was present at the affairs of Ramnuggar and the Battles of Chillanwala and Goojerat. Received a Medal for service in the Punjab Campaign with bars for Chillanwala and Goojerat. He was present on Special Service at the surrender of the Sikh army, the occupation of Attock and Peshawar, and the expulsion of the Afghans beyond the Khyber Pass. Served in the Persian Campaign expedition of 1857 received Medal and clasp.’ (recipient’s service records refer).

Wycherly subsequently served with the Central India Field Force during the Great Sepoy Mutiny under the command of Major General Sir Hugh Rose, K.C.B. He was ‘present at the action at Barodia on 21 January (defeat of the Rajah of Banpur)’, and on 24 January 1858, at Rathghur, he was wounded in the back of the head by a matchlock musket ball. Recovering, he subsequently took part ‘in the capture of Rathghur, 29 February. He was also present at the forcing of Maddenpore Pass on 3rd March 1858; The Battle of the Betwa River 1st April; the siege and capture of Jhansi 5th April; the action at Kunch 7th May; the Battle of Gwaliar 22nd May the capture of the Morar Cantonments 16th June; the recapture of the town and fortress of Gwaliar 19th June and finally the action at Rasulabad. Received the Indian Mutiny Medal with clasp Central India.’ (ibid).

Wycherly was discharged on 13 August 1860 after 20 years’ service, ‘unfit for further service, suffering from chronic rheumatism since 1857 caused by exposure and hard military duty in a bad climate from 18 years in India.’

Sold with copied service papers, medal roll extracts, and other research.