The rare C.B., Order of St. John group of seven awarded to Major-General Sir Francis Henry Rutherford Drummond, Indian Army, a member of the ‘Afghan Boundary Commission’ of 1884-86

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with swivel ring and bar suspension and silver-gilt buckle on ribbon; The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Officer‘s (Brother’s) breast badge, silver and enamel; Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Kabul (Lt. F. H. R. Drummond, 10th Bl. Lancs.); Jubilee 1897, silver; Delhi Durbar 1903, silver; Delhi Durbar 1911, silver; Afghanistan, Izzat-i-Afghania 1885, 32mm., uniface gold medal, awarded to members of the Russo-Afghan Boundary Commission of 1885, mounted court style for wear, 3rd-5th medals with contact marks, nearly very fine and better (7) £2500-3000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An outstanding Collection of Awards relating to the Order of St John.

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Francis Henry Rutherford Drummond was born on 9 September 1857, the eldest surviving son of Major-General Henry Drummond. After finishing his education at Wellington College he entered the Army in 1875 and was appointed a Lieutenant in the 109th Regiment. He transferred to the Bengal Staff Corps in August 1877. As a Lieutenant in the Bengal Lancers he served in the Second Afghan War, 1878-80 and was present in the engagement at Jugdulluck and in the advance and relief of Sherpore under Brigadier-General Charles Gough. For his services he was twice mentioned in despatches and was awarded the Queen’s medal with clasp. He then served in the Afghan Boundary Commission, August 1884-November 1886, for which he was awarded an Afghan medal, being promoted to Captain in February 1886 and awarded the brevet of Major in February 1887. Drummond was promoted to Major in February 1895 and to Lieutenant-Colonel in February 1901. He received the brevet of Colonel in February 1904 and was confirmed in that rank in May 1907. In 1908 he was created a Companion of the Order of the Bath. He attained the rank of Major-General in July 1909 and was created a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1912. He was further honoured by being appointed an Esquire of the Order of St. John. Latterly employed as Inspector-General of the Imperial Service Troops. Retiring to Aveland House, Crieff, Perthshire, Major-General Drummond died on 27 March 1919.