Pair: Lieutenant-Colonel J. P. Sparling, 5th Punjab Infantry and Supply & Transport Corps

Afghanistan 1878-80, 3 clasps, Peiwar Kotal, Charasia, Kabul (Lt. J. P. Sparling, 5th Punjab Infy.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Hazara 1888 (Captn. J. P. Sparling S.C.) mounted as worn, good very fine (2) £700-£900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter Duckers.

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James Philip Sparling was born on 24 February 1854. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the 67th Foot on 28 February 1872, and as Lieutenant on 28 February 1874. He transferred to the Bengal Staff Corps in April 1878 and served with the 5th Punjab Infantry in both campaigns of the Afghan War of 1878-80; present in the storming and capture of the Peiwar Kotal, December 1878; battle of Charasia [attack on the central sector of the Sang-i-Nawishta heights]; battles around Kabul, December 1879; commanded the rearguard, which was frequently under attack, with General Baker’s column on 9th-12th December; present in the defence of the Sherpur Canotnment to 23rd December; served with the regiment until its retirement from Afghanistan at the conclusion of the campaign in 1880 (Medal with three clasps). He served in the Supply and Commissariat Department during the Black Mountain campaign in 1888 (Medal with clasp).

Promoted to Major in February 1894 and to Lieutenant-Colonel in February 1900, he was appointed as Chief Supply and Transport Officer, 1902, Presidency District Staff, Fort William, Calcutta. Lieutenant-Colonel Sparling retired on 1 April 1908.