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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 50

(x) Pair: Major-General R. Ranken, 35th Madras Native Infantry, whose combination of awards is unique to the regiment

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (Captmn. Robt. Ranken. 35th. Regt. M.N.I.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Capt. R. Ranken, 35th. N.I. S.A.C.G.) both with decorative silver top riband bars, light contact marks, nearly extremely fine (2)

Note a unique combination to the 35th Madras Native Infantry.

Robert Ranken was born in Brechin, Forfar on 30 October 1822 and was educated at Perth Academy. Nominated as a cadet for the Honourable East India Company's Madras Infantry by Company Director John Shepherd at the recommendation of the Earl of Stair, and was commissioned Ensign on 12 June 1841, joining the 35th Madras Native Infantry.

Seeing little action for the first decade of service Ranken was promoted Lieutenant on 1 May 1844, and Captain on 29 November 1849. Still serving with the Regiment during the start of the Second Anglo-Burmese War he was with them at the capture of Ilangonn and Rangoon in April 1852. Later in the year the unit was involved in the hunt for the fugitive Governor of Rangoon and finally the capture of Prome in October 1852. Ranken saw further fighting in the country during the capture of Meeaday in January 1853 and several other minor actions.

Still serving as a Captain on the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny some five years later Ranken was stationed with the Sauger Field Force as Executive Commissariat Officer under General Whitlock. This was swiftly followed on with the appointment of Assistant to the General Superintendent of Operations for the suppression of the Thuggee and Dacoity groups operating in the Jubbulpore District on 8 June 1860.

Transferring to the Madras Staff Corps on 18 February 1861, he was advanced Major on 12 June of that year and passed his examinations as an interpreter in Hindustani and Persian by 1865. Further appointed Superintendent of the Jubbulpore Central Jail in May 1866 and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel on 12 June 1867 and further advanced Colonel on 12 June 1872.

He retired to Mortlake, Surrey with the honorary rank of Major General on 9 June 1877, and died at his home in Upper Norwood on 8 March 1895, aged 83; sold together with copied research.

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

Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480