The mounted group of four miniature dress medals attributed to Sergeant P. Mullane, Royal Horse Artillery, Victoria Cross; Afghanistan, 1 clasp, Kandahar; Meritorious Service Medal, V.R.; Army L.S.& G.C., V.R., mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Dress Miniatures formed by the late Derek Robinson.

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Collection

See Colour Plate VIII.

Ex Sotheby’s 13.10.1983, lot 185.

Patrick Mullane, was born in Ahmednuggar in the Deccan, India in 1858. As a Sergeant in the Royal Horse Artillery he was awarded the Victoria Cross (London Gazette 17.5.1881). ‘For conspicuous bravery during the action of Maiwand, on the 27th July 1880, in endeavouring to save the life of Driver Pickwell Istead. This non-commissioned officer, when the battery to which he belonged was on the point of retiring, and the enemy were within ten or fifteen yards, unhesitatingly ran back about two yards and picked up Driver Istead, placed him on the limber, where, unfortunately, he died almost immediately. Again, during the retreat, Sergt. Mullane volunteered to procure water for the wounded, and succeeded in doing so by going into one of the villages in which so many men lost their lives.’ He later attained the rank of Regimental Sergeant-Major. He died in Plaistow, Sussex in 1919.