Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (1st. Lieutt. Walter Davison. 1st. Eur. Bengal Fusrs.) nearly extremely fine £500-£700

Walter Davison was born in London on 3 May 1828 and was educated at Tonbridge School, Kent. He was nominated as a Cadet for the East India Company’s Bengal Infantry in 1846, and was commissioned Ensign on 20 April 1846. He arrived at Calcutta on 6 June 1846, and was posted to the 1st Bengal European Fusiliers on 1 February 1847. He was promoted Lieutenant on 6 July 1851 and served with the Regiment during the Second Burma War, being present at the relief of the garrison of Pegu on 14 December 1852 and throughout the operations in the vicinity, and then accompanied the Martaban Column, being present at the storming and capture of Belin in April 1853, and being mentioned in the Regimental History in an account of the latter action:
‘The Burmese attacked a small garrison of Madras Native Infantry, who occupied a stockade at Belin ... Major Seaton was instructed to send one company to join the force for the recapture of Belin. No 1 was the company selected, commanded by Captain G. C Lambert, Lieutenant Walter Davison being the subaltern. The detachment then proceeded down the River Sittang in boats ... The combined force now advanced to the attack, the company of the Regiment being ordered to attack the front face of the stockade ... Captain Lambert's company advanced, covered by skirmishers, and were received by a sharp fire of small arms; nevertheless they reserved their fire, and, with a rush, succeeded in scaling the stockade and opening one of the gates from the inside.’

Appointed Adjutant on 13 May 1854, Davison was praised in an Inspection Report the following February:
‘Fully qualified for his situation of Adjutant and affords the Commanding Officer every assistance, being zealous and attentive. The state of the regiment fully approves his ability and strict attention.’

Promoted Captain on 10 October 1860, Davison was granted furlough to Europe on sick certificate for two years from 1863. He did not return to India, and died on 5 March 1866.

Sold with copied service papers; medal roll extract; and other research.