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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 20

(x) Maharajpoor Star 1843 (Private George Walker H. M. 16th Lancers), fitted with contemporary ornate suspension featuring dual sabres and crown, riband buckle, very fine

George Walker was born in St. James, Dublin in 1810 and attested with the 16th Lancers at London on 10 July 1830 at the age of twenty, after having made his living as a labourer. Walker was to serve abroad in the East Indies for 21 years of what was to become a 23-year career in the service.

Walker was promoted Corporal five years after entering the service and then to Sergeant three years later. However, he was not to retain this rank for long as he was reduced to Private in August 1843 following his sentencing by court martial for drunkenness. He was advanced Corporal once again in July 1844 and in this rank transferred to the 3rd Light Dragoons on 1 December 1845. He was made Sergeant in March 1847 before again being court martialled for drunkenness and reduced to Private just four months later in July.

Despite these repeated instances of drunken behaviour, Walker again found himself promoted to Corporal in March 1850, and this time managed to hang on to the rank. He volunteered for the 9th Lancers on 1 November 1852 and served with them as Corporal for the remainder of his time with the Colours. Walker was discharged at Umballa on 30 September 1853, being found medically unfit for further service resulting from his length of service and the harsh climate.

His discharge papers make note of the impressive breadth and experience of Walker's long service. He served for the whole length of the First Afghan War with the 16th Lancers, including the assault and capture of Ghuznee, and then went on to serve at Maharajpoor in December 1843. Walker was then an active participant in the Second Anglo-Sikh War as part of the 3rd Light Dragoons, and was engaged at the Battle of Ramnagar, the passage of the Chenab River, as well as the actions at Sadoolapore, Chilianwala, and Goojerat in 1848-49.

Walker would have likely been further entitled to a Ghuznee Medal 1939 and a Punjab Medal 1848-49 with clasps for Goojerat and Chilianwala; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£240 to £280

Starting price
£190