Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Relief of Lucknow (Wm. Stewart, 93rd. Highlanders) edge bruise, very fine £500-700

William Stewart was born in Balbegie, Perthshire, in 1836, and attested for the 42nd Royal Highlanders at Stirling on 10 October 1854. He deserted on 27 January 1855, and rejoined at Camp on 18 October 1855. Tried by District Court Martial for desertion, he was sentenced to 50 lashes. He transferred to the 93rd Highlanders on 1 April 1857 and served with them in India during the Mutiny. He was severely wounded in action at the Shah Najaf Mosque, during the relief of Lucknow, on 16 November 1857:

‘When the battle for the Secunderabagh was still going on, Captain Peel’s naval brigade advanced towards the Shah Najaf Mosque, which the mutineers had fortified, and bombarded it with six 24-pounders, under Lieutenant T. Young, as well as mortars and rockets. They made little initial impression on its stout walls. An attack by the 93rd Highlanders was equally unavailing. The British guns were brought right up to the Mosque and Peel called for volunteers to climb a nearby tree to dislodge snipers on its walls, who were causing havoc amongst the gun crews. Lieutenant Nowell Salmon, Leading Seaman John Harrison, and Able Seaman Richard Southwell responded, though Southwell was killed almost immediately. The British were, in fact, on the point of retiring when Sergeant J. Paton, 93rd Highlanders, discovered a small gap in one of the walls. He led a party of Highlanders, who opened the main gate of the Mosque as its last defenders withdrew.’ (The Victoria Cross and the George Cross, The Complete History refers).

For his gallantry in this action Sergeant John Paton, of the 93rd Highlanders, was awarded the Victoria Cross, one of five awarded for this action.

Stewart was discharged having been fund unfit for further military service, probably as a result of his wounds, on 24 August 1858, after 2 years and 304 days’ service.

Note: Six private soldiers with the name ‘William Stewart’ appear on the Indian Mutiny Medal Roll for the 93rd Highlanders; although the other five recipients all received two clasp (Relief of Lucknow and Lucknow) medals.