Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 3 clasps, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow, Central India (Corpl. J, Chettle. 2nd Bn. Mily. Train) unofficial rivets, nearly extremely fine £420-£480

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

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The 2nd Military Train was en route to the war in China when it was diverted to Calcutta on news of the Mutiny outbreak. On arrival it was immediately converted to Light Cavalry, using horses from a recently disarmed native regiment. It served entirely as Light Cavalry throughout the campaign, and with great distinction at a time when the British forces were very short of cavalry. The regiment was awarded two Victoria Crosses for the action at Azimgurh, and was also present at the defence of the Alum Bagh, Lucknow, when it captured two guns in a cavalry charge which was cheered by the onlooking soldiers. The regiment received the highest compliments for its services from the Governor General upon its departure from India after the campaign.

Joseph Chettle was born in the Parish of St James’s, London, circa 1836, and was a whitesmith by trade (tin and white metal worker) when he enlisted on 4 September 1855.

The medal roll supports the two Lucknow clasps but there are no recorded recipients of the clasp for Central India on the 2nd Military Train Roll. However, Chettle is recorded as having died on 21 August 1858, after drowning in a well at Gopaulpore. This town is not far from Gwalior and is within the theatre of operations of the Central India Field Force under Sir Hugh Rose. It is just possible that Chettle was posted to serve with a unit in Central India before his death, as numerous men of the Military Train were also posted to other units, mainly Bengal Light Cavalry and Artillery. The Central India clasp has probably been added privately to reflect this latter service.

Corporal Chettle is commemorated by name on the memorial to the 2nd Battalion Military Train in Bristol Cathedral. Sold with copied research and a copy of Peter Duckers’ article The Military Train 1857-59.