Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine ‘Casualty’ Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Corporal S. Smith, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers), who was present at the parade in Meerut on 9 May 1857, when mutineers of the 3rd Bengal Native Cavalry were shackled and sentenced to transportation for refusing to bite the cartridges of the new Enfield rifles.

Smith subsequently saw service during the siege and capture of Delhi, alongside numerous other actions and skirmishes during the conflict, and was still on operations when he died at Shahjehanpore on 4 October 1858

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Delhi (Corpl. Saml. Smith, 6th. Dragn. Gds.) cleaned, very fine £300-£400

Samuel Smith witnessed extensive action with the 6th Dragoon Guards during the Mutiny, commencing with the search for the mutineers following the wanton slaughter of European troops and civilians at Meerut. Transferred to the column of Brigadier Archdale Wilson, the Dragoon Guards fought at Hindun on 30 and 31 of May, and at the Battle of Bundlekserai on 8 June 1857, where they attacked the rear of the enemy force. The Regiment then took part in the advance on Delhi and the subsequent siege and capture of the City. Under Brigadier Showers, the men captured Rivari, Jijhar and Kanauri, holding firm at Narnul where they were heavily engaged by superior numbers of the enemy.

The following year witnessed further action at Mynpoorie in March 1858 and Kukrowlie on 29 and 30 April 1858, where the Dragoon Guards served with General Penny’s Column. The Regiment further participated in the capture of Bareilly on 5 May 1858, with further success at Shahjehanpore and Mahundee.