The Indian Mutiny Medal pair awarded to Colonel C. H. Cantor, Bengal Staff Corps, late 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers and 5th Bengal Cavalry, who led a ladder storming party over the walls of Delhi during the opening assault on the city, 14 September 1857

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Delhi (Lieut. C. H. Cantor, 2nd. Eurn. Bengal Fusrs.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Bhootan (Lieut. C. H. Cantor 5th. Bengal Cavy.) light contact marks, better than very fine (2) £700-£900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Indian Mutiny Medals, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Charles Henry Cantor was born at Fort William, Calcutta, on 21 November 1836, the son of Charles Augustus Cantor, merchant of Calcutta, and was educated privately in England. On his return to India he was nominated as a cadet for the Honourable East India Company, Bengal Infantry, by H.E.I.C. Director Henry Thoby Prinsep; his candidacy was approved by the Military Committee at East India House, London, on 5 November 1856, and he was commissioned Ensign on 13 December 1856. Sent for duty with the (4th) Bengal Native Infantry on 24 February 1857, he transferred at his own request to the 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers on 3 April 1857, and was with this regiment at the time of the Great Sepoy Mutiny, being present at the actions at Delhi and the subsequent siege of the city.

Cantor was present at the assault on the city on 14 September 1857 when he was one of the Subalterns selected to lead the ladder storming parties over the walls of the city. He was subsequently engaged in leading and co-ordinating part of the heavy street fighting that followed the assault, lasting up to 20 September. He later served with the movable column under Brigadier General Showers.

Promoted Lieutenant on 1 May 1858, Cantor was appointed Adjutant to 5th Bengal Cavalry on 13 December 1863, and served with this regiment in the Bhootan Campaign 1864-65. Appointed to the Northwest Provinces Police on 20 October 1866, he was promoted Captain and appointed to Bengal Staff Corps on 13th December 1868. He was advanced Major on 13 December 1876, Lieutenant Colonel on 13 December 1882, and Colonel on 13 December 1886. He transferred to the Supernumerary List on 13 December 1894, and died on 14 December 1919.

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