Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Lieut. W. D. Nunn. 1st Bn. 20th Regt) naming retouched in parts, contact marks, nearly very fine £300-£400

Provenance: Dr A. W. Stott Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, May 1997.

William David Nunn was born in Pau, France, on 25 June 1834, the son of Captain John Oliver Howe Nunn of the 86th Regiment. William David Nunn entered the Army as an Ensign in the 20th (East Devonshire) Foot on 20 February 1855. He was soon afterwards posted to the Crimea where he served with his regiment at the siege and fall of Sebastopol and at the capture of Kinbourn. For his services Nunn was awarded the Queen’s medal with clasp for Sebastopol and the Turkish medal. In September 1855 he was promoted to Lieutenant. Nunn then saw service in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny, where he was engaged at Chanda, Ameerapore, Sultanpore, the siege and capture of Lucknow, operations in Oude and affairs at Mohan, Hussengunge, Meangunge (as an orderly officer to Brigadier Evelegh), Churda, Fort of Musjeedia and Bankee. For his services Nunn was awarded the Queen’s medal with clasp for Lucknow. In July 1859 he became a Captain by purchase and in July 1872 was granted the Brevet of Major. Exchanging to the 2nd Battalion 20th Foot in November 1872, he retired by the sale of his commission in 21 July 1875 with permission to retain his rank. Nunn married Clara Openshaw in January 1875 and after his retirement from the Army he and his family settled at 3 Cambridge Villas, Cheltenham. He died on 10 May 1909.