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

Pair: Major-General R. Ranken, 35th Madras Native Infantry

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (Captmn. Robt. Ranken. 35th. Regt. M.N.I.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Capt. R. Ranken, 35th. N.I. S.A.C.G.) both with decorative top silver riband bars, light contact marks, nearly extremely fine (2) £600-£800

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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Robert Ranken was born in Brechin, Forfar on 30 October 1822 and was educated at Perth Academy. He was nominated as a cadet for the Honourable East India Company’s Madras Infantry by Company Director John Shepherd at the recommendation of the Earl of Stair, and was commissioned Ensign on 12 June 1841, joining the 35th Madras Native Infantry.

Promoted Lieutenant on 1 May 1844, and Captain on 29 November 1849, Ranken served during the Second Burma War and was present during the operations in the vicinity and capture of Ilangonn and Rangoon in April 1852 and later at the capture of Prome in October 1852. He was further present at the capture of Meeaday in January 1853 and various other minor actions. He saw further service in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny with the Sauger Field Force as Executive Commissariat Officer under General Whitlock; his combination of medals is unique to the 35th Madras Native Infantry.

Ranken was appointed Assistant to the General Superintendent of Operations for the suppression of the Thuggee and Dacoity groups operating in the Jubbulpore District on 8 June 1860. Subsequently transferring to the Madras Staff Corps on 18 February 1861, he was promoted Major on 12 June of that year, and by 1865 had passed his examinations as an interpreter in Hindustani and Persian. In May 1866 he was appointed Superintendent of the Jubbulpore Central Jail, and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel on 12 June 1867, and Colonel on 12 June 1872. He retired with the honorary rank of Major General on 9 June 1877, and died at his home in Upper Norwood on 8 March 1895, aged 83.

Sold with a photographic image of the recipient in the uniform of the 35th Madras Native Infantry, and copied research.