A Collection of Indian Mutiny Medals, the Property of a Gentleman

The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Private F. McDonald, 6th Dragoon Guards, who was wounded at Kukrowlee on 30 April 1858

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Felix Mc.Donald, 6th. Dragn. Gds.) nearly very fine £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Indian Mutiny Medals, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Felix McDonald attested for the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabineers) and served with them in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny. He was wounded at Kukrowlee on 30 April 1858, one of eight privates wounded that day from a Regimental force of two hundred present.

Kaye and Malleson in the History of the Indian Mutiny, give the following account:
‘Penny met Sir Colin Campbell at Fathgarh on 24 April, then crossed the Ganges and was pushed on to Usehat, a town on the further side of one of the confluences of the main stream. Usehat was found deserted and Cracroft Wilson the Political Officer with the column bought the general information that the enemy had fled into Oudh. And that his march to Budan would not be opposed. Penny accordingly started on the night of 30 April to make a night march of upwards of twenty miles to that place. He had reached Kakrala, riding with Cracroft Wilson at the head of the advanced guard, commanded by Captain Curtis, when some dusky forms and some lights were noticed a short distance ahead. It was quite dark and before the nature of these appearances could be ascertained a discharge of grape came into their midst. Penny was never seen again alive and it was supposed that his horse, frightened by the sudden discharge, started off, and carried him into the ranks of the enemy. Certain it was that his body was found after the fight shot, stripped and sabred. When the discharge occurred, the infantry were some distance in the rear. The Carabineers at once charged, took the gun, and then, it being dark, dashed forward into a trench full of Ghazis (fanatics). A desperate contest ensued, many of the officers being cut down.’

Sold with copied medal roll extract.