Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (David Orchison, 71st. Highd. L.I.) very fine £280-£320

David Orchison was born in Forfar in 1828, a weaver by trade, and attested for the 92nd Highlanders in May 1845, before transferring to the 71st Highlanders March 1853. He served with the regiment in the Crimea, was present at the siege of Sebastopol. The 71st was present with the Expedition to Kertch and Yenikale (medal & clasp)

The headquarters and right wing of the 71st arrived at Bombay on 6 February 1858, and the left wing two days later; the right wing proceeding to Mhow by bullock train in detachments of about forty daily, the first of which left Bombay on 26 February, and the last arrived at Mhow on 17 March. It marched from Mhow on 30 March to join the Central India Field Force, and joined the second brigade at Mote on 3 May. It was present at the action in Rose’s attack on the enemy at Kooneh, 7 May, when eight men fell dead in the ranks, and upwards of twenty officers and men had to be carried from the field on account of the heat of the sun. It was present also at the actions at Muttra and Deapoora, 16 and 17 May; at the latter places the principal attacks of the enemy were repulsed by this regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell commanding the brigade, Major Rich commanding the regiment, and Battalion Major Loftus, were specially Mentioned by the Major-General. The regiment was present at the battle of Gowlowlee, 22 May, the occupation of Calpee, 23 May, and it marched on Gwalior with the 1st Brigade Central India Field Force; at the action of Moorar on 16 June, in which the 71st took a prominent part. It was while rushing on at the head of a company of this regiment that Lieutenant Wyndham Neave fell mortally wounded, and that four other ranks were killed. Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, Major Rich, and Lieutenant Scott were specially Mentioned; and Sergeant Ewing and Private George Rodgers were recommended for the Victoria Cross. On the evening of the 18 June, the regiment formed part of a column for the support of Brigadier Smith’s brigade, and advanced on Gwalior with the whole force on the following two days.

Official and regiment records confirm that Orcheston was present at the engagement at Koonch, the action at Deapoora, the battle of Gowlowlee, the Occupation of Calpee, the action at Morar on 16 June, and the capture of Gwalior (medal with clasp). He was entitled to four good conduct badges on being discharge as medically unfit in October 1861.

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