Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Indian Mutiny ‘Defence of Lucknow’ D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant-Major H. Jenkins, 84th Foot, one of only two ‘Original Defenders’ to be so honoured

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Sjt.-Mjr. H. Jenkins. 84th. Regt.) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine, rare £5,000-£7,000

One of only 17 D.C.M.s awarded for the Indian Mutiny, and one of only two for the Siege and Defence of Lucknow: the other, to Sergeant-Major John Kelly, 32nd Light Infantry, was sold in these rooms in September 2004 as part of the Ritchie Collection.

D.C.M. Submitted to the Queen 24 August 1860:
‘That Sergeant Major Henry Jenkins of the 84th Regiment of Foot be granted an Annuity of Fifteen Pounds (with a Silver Medal) as a reward for his distinguished and meritorious service and gallant conduct in the Field, more especially during the late campaign in India, including the Siege.’

Henry Jenkins was born in West Orchard, Dorset, in 1821, and attested for the 84th Regiment of Foot at Portsmouth on 8 February 1839. He was promoted Corporal on 29 July 1840, Sergeant on 12 September 1843, but was tried by Regimental Court Martial on 30 April 1845, and reduced to Private. He was promoted once more to Corporal on 1 January 1850, Sergeant on 7 February 1853, and Colour Sergeant on 24 July 1857. He was present with the Regiment at the Siege and Defence of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny as an original defender (entitled to the Indian Mutiny Medal with clasps for Defence of Lucknow and Lucknow), and for his gallantry was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Promoted to his ultimate rank of Sergeant-Major on 5 October 1858, he was discharged on 22 October 1861, after 23 years and 254 days’ service, of which 17 years and 26 days were spent in India. He died in Stoke Newington, Middlesex, on 26 February 1908.