The Indian Mutiny medal to Captain A. P. Simons, Bengal Artillery, in command of the Indian Artillery at Lucknow, who ‘distinguished himself at Chinhut where he received the two wounds which ended in his death’

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Defence of Lucknow (Capt. A. P. Simons, 8th Bn. Bengal Art.) dark toned, extremely fine £3000-3500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Ritchie Collection of H.E.I.C. and British India Medals.

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Alfred Parmenter Simons, the son of William Simons, of Hackney Terrace, formerly of the East India House staff, was born on 27 March 1824. He was educated under Dr Firminger and was nominated a Cadet for the Bengal Artillery by J. D. Alexander, Esq., on the recommendation of his grandfather. Having attended the Military Seminary, Addiscombe, from 1839 till 11 June 1841, he was comissioned 2nd Lieutenant and sailed for India in the Windsor on 26 August 1841. He arrived at Fort William in January 1842, and was posted to the Foot Artillery. Later that year, he joined a detachment in the Upper Provinces, and in February 1843, under orders from the Benares Division, was directed to assume command of the ‘post guns and artillery detail’ at Goruckpore. In December 1843, he became Lieutenant and in June 1844 was removed to the Horse Artillery, with whom he served in the Sutlej Campaign of 1845-46, being present with the 2nd Troop at the battle of Sobraon on 10 February 1846. He returned to duty with the Foot Artillery in 1851, reporting his arrival at the Fort on 7 October. The following month he was appointed Adjutant to a detachment of recruits at Dum Dum. Promoted Captain in May 1854, he was given command of 2/4 Field Battery in August 1855, and in March 1857, ‘furnished the prescribed qualification in surveying’.

Finding himself at Lucknow in June 1857, Captain Simons was ‘appointed to the charge of the siege train withdrawn from the Magazine for the defence of the Residency’. On the last day of June 1857, Simons took part in the battle of Chinhut, where the native gunners with Sir Henry Lawrence’s force finally came out in their true colours and deserted to the enemy. Simons was twice wounded during the battle but managed to get back to the Residency before it was surrounded. Notwithstanding his wounds, which were to prove fatal, he was engaged in the siege until his death on 7 September. His passing was recorded in the London Times on 15 January 1858. Brigadier Inglis mentioned him in his despatch with other officers who did not survive; ‘It only remains for one to bring to the favourable notice of his Lordship in Council the names of those Officers who have most distinguished themselves, and afforded me the most valuable assistance in these operations. Many of the best and bravest of these now rest from their labours ... Captain Simons, Commandant of Artillery, distinguished himself at Chinhut where he received the two wounds which ended in his death.’ (London Gazette 16 January 1858). Captain Simons was married and, although unbeknown to him, was predeceased by his infant daughter who died at Niani Tal in August 1857.

Refs: Hodson Index (NAM); IOL L/MIL/10/33, 41, & 64; IOL L/MIL/10/37; IOL L/MIL/10/51; IOL L/MIL/10/60.