Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Victorian campaign group of three awarded to Staff Veterinary Surgeon William Lamb, 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Persia (Vet. Surgn. W. Lamb. 3rd Lt. Cavy.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Vte. Surgn. W. Lamb, 3rd Regt. Bombay Cavy.); Abyssinia 1867 (Vety. Surgn. W. Lamb Bomb: Army) suspension crudely repaired below the crown on this; together with two prize medals: a. Edinburgh Veterinary College, Session 1848-49, engraved silver circular medal with stepped rims, 50mm, hallmarked Edinburgh 1848, the reverse engraved ‘Presented to Mr William Lamb for the Best Set of Notes of a Portion of Professor Dick’s Lectures’, fitted with floral scroll and ring for suspension; b. Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, struck silver medal, 45mm, the reverse engraved ‘To Mr William Lamb Worcestershire 1850’, the edge additionally engraved ‘For best examination on veterinary medicine and surgery Edinburgh Veterinary College.’, generally very fine or better (5) £1,600-£2,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Lamb Family Medals.

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William Lamb was born at Hampton Bishop, Herefordshire, on 24 June 1832. He arrived in India on 10 March 1853, where he was appointed Veterinary Surgeon to the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry. He served with the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry in the Persian campaign of 1856-57, including the taking of Reshire and Bushire in December 1856; capture of Borazgon, 6 February 1857, and battle of Khooshab, 8 February 1856.

In Central India in 1857-58 and 1859, including siege of Ratghur, relief of Saugor, and siege of Gurrakota, January 1858; siege of Jhansie, March & April; battle of Betwa, April; battle of Koonch, siege of Calpee, and attack on rear guard at Elora, May; taking of Morar, siege of Gwalior pursuant to Jowree and Alipore, June 1858; taking of Mhow and Mahoni, 1859. Mentioned in GGO 272 of 1859, ‘Vetry Surgeon Lamb 3rd Lt. Cavalry... most useful to me in getting on the baggage and conveying orders. Mr Lamb rode into camp at my request to report the presence of the enemy and returned at very considerable risk of being cut off.’ Also mentioned ‘as having led up a Troop of the 3rd Lt. Cavalry in the charge which resulted in the capture of the enemy’s guns &c,’

Served in the Abyssinian campaign of 1867-68, in general supervision of the Veterinary Department Land Transport Train; mentioned in despatches London Gazette 30 June 1868, and promoted to Staff Veterinary Surgeon for ‘valuable services with the Abyssinian Expeditionary Force.’ He died in October 1888.

Sold with original vellum commission as Veterinary Surgeon from 10 March 1853, Statement of Services to September 1873, three portrait photographs, including one in uniform wearing medals, and marriage certificate.

For the recipient’s miniature dress medals, see the following lot (Lot 187).