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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 17

China 1842 (E. Pitman, Lieutenant, 55th Regiment Foot.), fitted with replacement silver clip and swivel suspension, pitting, very fine

Edmund Pitman was born circa 1820, the son of Major Pitman of Dunchideock House, Devon. Young Pitman joined the 55th as an Ensign in January 1837, he served as a Lieutenant in the First Opium War with the 55th (Westmoreland) Regiment of Foot, who saw a great deal of action in that campaign. Deployed to China in 1841, they participated in the Battle of Amoy in August of that year and were the first to land from the boats at the disembarkation and subsequent capture of Chusan that October. During this action, the 55th assaulted Guards Hill under heavy fire but successfully took the position before going on to capture the heights above Tinghai; they then planted their Regimental Colours on the walls of the city.

On 10 October the regiment participated in the Battle of Chinhai, forming the garrison of that city until the following year when they played yet another active part in the battles of Chapu and Chinkiang - remaining in garrison of the latter until the Treaty of Nanking was signed on 29 August 1842. The 55th subsequently received the battle honour "China" and a dragon badge was added to their Regimental Colour.

Pitman was presented to Queen Victoria by Colonel Sir J. H. Schoedde in May 1845 and was promoted Captain. Latterly serving as Adjutant of the 1st Devon Militia, he died at Heavitree, Exeter in January 1882.

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Estimate
£800 to £1,200

Starting price
£600