Medals from the Collection of Peter Duckers

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (W, Tuppin. 2nd Bn. Mily. Train) good very fine £500-£550

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

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Only 17 medals issued to the 2nd Military Train with the single clasp for Lucknow.

William Tuppin was wounded by a sabre cut on his head in the defence of the Alum Bagh, Lucknow, 25 February 1858.

The 2nd Military Train was en route to the war in China when it was diverted to Calcutta on news of the Mutiny outbreak. On arrival it was immediately converted to Light Cavalry, using horses from a recently disarmed native regiment. It served entirely as Light Cavalry throughout the campaign, and with great distinction at a time when the British forces were very short of cavalry. The regiment was awarded two Victoria Crosses for the action at Azimgurh.

The 2nd Military Train was also prominently in action during the fourth attack on the Alum Bagh on 25 February 1858, in what was the largest attempt made by the rebel garrison to overrun the Alum Bagh defences. In action that day the Military Train was ordered by a staff officer, apparently against Outram’s wishes, to attack and capture two enemy guns which were firing on the defences prior to an infantry assault. But this required them to pass the right flank of the main enemy army of up to 30,000 men, drawn up ready to attack Outram’s right. As they closed with the guns, which were supported by a strong infantry guard, Major Robertson ordered the charge and the men of the 2nd Military Train cut down the enemy gunners and took the guns. Joined by the single squadron of Hodson’s Horse, who rode up in support, they pursued the infantry guard and scattered them, inflicting serious casualties. By some miracle, though fired on straight away, and at close range, only eight men of the Military Train were wounded in the action, though one later died. It is said that in honour of their gallantry, the two captured guns were placed in front of the Military Train lines behind the Alum Bagh and ‘all the infantry turned out to cheer the Battalion on its return to camp.’

The regiment received the highest compliments for its services from the Governor General upon its departure from India after the campaign.

William Tuppin was born in the Parish of Brighton, Sussex, and originally attested for the 17th Lancers at Brighton on 22 March 1855. He transferred to the Military Train on 18 October 1856, and joined from England on 6 February 1858. He was appointed Shoeing Smith on 1 April 1860, and was discharged at Dublin on 21 March 1867, being then ‘in possession of two Good Conduct Badges - also of the Medal for India, with Lucknow clasp.’ Sold with copied discharge papers, medal roll entry and a copy of Peter Duckers’ article The Military Train 1857-59.