The Brian Ritchie Collection of H.E.I.C. and British India Medals

The Cabul and Sutlej campaign pair to Sergeant James Hipwell, 31st Regiment, severely wounded at Sobraon

(a) Cabul 1842 (No. 1428 James Hipwell, Pt. HMs. 31st Regt.) correctly engraved in the regimental style with additional eight-point stars before and after the naming, fitted with original steel clip and wide bar suspension

(b) Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee 1845, 3 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal, Sobraon (Serjt. James Hipwell 31st Regt.) contact marks, otherwise very fine £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Ritchie Collection of H.E.I.C. and British India Medals.

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Ex Whidborne collection, Sotheby June 1906.

James Townsend Hipwell was born in the Parish of Pankhurst, London, and attested for the 31st Regiment at Rochester on 17 February 1840, aged 19 years, for a bounty of three pounds seventeen shillings and sixpence. ‘He served in the Campaign in Afghanistan in 1842 and was present in the actions of Mazeena and Tazene for which he wears a medal. He also served the Campaign on the Sutlej and was present in the battles of Moodkee, Ferozeshah, Buddiwal, Aliwal and Sobraon for which he is entitled to a medal and clasps. He received a severe wound in the left hand at Sobraon.’

Although Hipwell rose to the rank of Sergeant in January 1845, he was tried by a Regimental Court Martial in December 1846 and reduced to Private, in which rank he was discharged to Out-Pension at Chatham on 28 December 1847. In June 1895, now totally blind and 74 years of age, Hipwell was admitted to In-Pension at Chelsea Hospital.

Ref: WO 97/498.