Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Major J. H. L. M. Toone, 11th Bengal Cavalry

Ghuznee 1839, unnamed as issued, fitted with a small ring and silver straight bar suspension, with silver riband buckle and contemporary top silver brooch bar; Punniar Star 1843 (Lieutt. J. H. L. M. Toone 11th. Regiment Light Cavalry) with original hook and modern split ring suspension, with contemporary top silver riband buckle; Punjab 1848-49, 1 clasp, Mooltan (Bt. Capt. J. H. L. M. Toone, 11th. Bengal Cavy.) with contemporary top silver riband buckle, minor edge bruising, generally very fine (3) £1,800-£2,200

Christie’s, July 1987.

James Hastings Lindsay Toone was born at Ghazipur, United Provinces, on 8 January 1816 and was commissioned Cornet in the Honourable East India Company’s Forces on 27 February 1833. He arrived in India on 19 June 1833, and was posted initially to the 8th Bengal Light Cavalry. Transferring to the 2nd Bengal Light Cavalry on 9 June 1836, he served with them during the First Afghan War, where he distinguished himself as the British Column advanced towards Kandahar:
‘The cavalry outposts often found themselves skirmishing with robber bands. One such was disposed of near Quetta by a detachment of the 2nd Bengal Light Cavalry. Cornet Toone of that regiment cut down its leader and decapitated him.’ (A History of British Cavalry, Vol. 1, by the Marquess of Anglesey refers).

Following the disbandment of the 2nd Bengal Light Cavalry, Toone was subsequently as Adjutant of the 7th Irregular Cavalry on 28 April 1841. In handing up Toone’s name for that appointment his late Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Salter, stated:
‘Cornet Toone acted as Adjutant for a short time at Cabool and was zealous and anxious to acquire every part of his arduous duty. A good horseman. Speaks both Persian and Hondoostanee fluently, and has a great predilection for the acquirement of these languages. Temper excellent, steady and gentlemanly in his conduct.’

Promoted Lieutenant on 16 November 1841, Toone was subsequently posted to the newly-raised 11th Bengal Light Cavalry. He served as Adjutant of this new unit during the Gwalior campaign, and was present at the Battle of Punniar, 29 December 1843. Appointed Instructor and Quartermaster of the 11th Light Cavalry on 27 August 1847, he saw further service with the 11th Bengal Light Cavalry during the Second Sikh War, where he was present at the siege of Mooltan and the action at Suraj Khund, and was appointed Brevet Captain. He transferred to the Retired List on 1 May 1854, and was promoted Honorary Major on 28 November of that year. He died in Madeira on 15 December 1886, leaving an estate valued at over £55,000.

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