The Collection of Medals to the Leicester Regiment and Yeomanry formed by the late Trevor Harris

Ghuznee 1839 (Lieut. James Fitzherbert De Tessier, 17th Regt. Foot), engraved small capitals on reverse field but with regiment below on the edge of the reverse rim, swivel-bar suspension, nearly extremely fine £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Leicester Regiment and Yeomanry formed by the late Trevor Harris.

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James Fitzherbert De Tessier was born in 1816, eldest son of the 1st Baron De Tessier, who received his title from Louis XVIII of France in 1819, and had been given permission to use it by the Prince Regent as he retained his allegiance to the British Crown. Educated at Eton, young James was commissioned into the 17th Regiment in 1833 and first saw action in the Scinde, when he commanded a detachment of troops charged with the protection of the Army’s stores and ammunition as it trekked up the Indus. He also served in the regiment’s Light Company during the campaign in Afghanistan and Baluchistan, and was present at the storm and capture of the fortresses of Ghuznee and Khelat.

De Tessier subsequently transferred to the 3rd West India Regiment and to the 65th Foot, retiring on half-pay in the rank of Captain in 1850. Soon afterwards he was appointed Adjutant of the 2nd Royal Surrey Militia and finally sold out with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1873. Succeeding to his father’s title in 1868, he died at Brunswick Terrace, Brighton in August 1884.