Medals from the Collection of Peter Duckers

Pair: Major-General F. W. Graham, 3rd Oude Irregular Cavalry, an original defender at Lucknow who was wounded at Chinhut and twice more during the siege

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (Ensn. F. W. Graham. Dg. Duty. Ramghur Lt. Infy. Batt.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Defence of Lucknow, Lucknow (Lt. F. W. Graham, 3rd Oudr Irr, Cavy.) both fitted with silver riband buckles, contact marks and some old tooling in fields, otherwise very fine (3) £2,000-£2,600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter Duckers.

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Frederick William Graham was born at Dum Dum, India, on 1 April 1830, the third son of Captain (later Colonel, C.B.) Charles Graham, Bengal Artillery. He was educated at Cheltenham College and applied for a Cadetship in the H.E.I.C. army in 1847. Appointed Ensign on 26 July 1847, and posted to the 11th Native Infantry, he served in the Burma campaign of 1852-53 as ‘Doing Duty’ officer with the Ramghur Light Infantry, and was present at the operations against Myah Toon near Donabew (Medal with clasp).

Promoted to Lieutenant on 27 December 1856, he served with the 3rd Oude Irregular Cavalry during the Mutiny of 1857-58. He was slightly wounded in the action at Chinhut, and his horse also wounded, on 30 June 1857; he served throughout the defence of the Residency at Lucknow (wounded), including the assault of 18th August and sorties of 29th September and 2nd October; throughout the occupation of the Alumbagh, including the surprise of the Gahilee and affair of 25th February; capture of Lucknow, relief of Sundeela, action of Jamoo, and capture of Birwah (several times mentioned in despatches, Medal with two clasps, a year’s service, and Brevet of Major).

Graham was afterwards second-in-command of the 6th Bengal Cavalry and officiating Commandant, 20 January 1864. He commanded the 17th Bengal Cavalry, 1873-78, was promoted to Colonel on 3 April 1877, and retired as Major-General on 7 August 1878. He died at Ashburn Place, South Kensington, on 12 November 1885, aged 55.

For the medals awarded to two of his brothers see Lots 858 and 872.