An Exceptionally Rare Victorian Combination
INDIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL
(PERSIA)
&

















INDIAN MUTINY MEDAL
(DEFENCE OF LUCKNOW)
(LUCKNOW)
-1st Relief Force-
(Wounded 23rd September 1857)
-Battle of Alambagh-

with
Long Service Good Conduct Medal

To:
2843 Quarter Master Sgt. GEORGE ILIFFE
78th HIGHLANDERS
(2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders)
-Late, 5th Bn The Derbyshire Regt-

ALL MEDALS OFFICIALLY IMPRESSED.

[78th HIGHLANDERS]
-2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders-
The regiment suffered heavy losses from disease in Sindh and later took part in the Persian War (1856-57), fighting at the Battle of Khushab (1857).

George ILIFFE served with the 78th Highlanders and was 26 when he first went into combat during the Persian campaign of 1856. His service included the night attack and Battle of Kooshab, the Bombardment of Mohumrah, and the expedition to Ahwaz. (Punjab Medal with MOOLTAN clasp).
He served also in Bengal in 1857-58.


He took part in the subsequent Defence of Lucknow, at age 27 and while serving with Outram’s Force at the Alumbagh he was slightly wounded in the side. He took part in the repulse of numerous attacks there with the operations ending in the final capture of Lucknow, the Rohilcund campaign and the capture of Bareilly.

The 78th was also engaged in the earlier Siege of Cawnpore (1857) and with Havelock’s Column he served in the several actions leading to the Relief of Lucknow. (Medal with two clasps)

[GEORGE ILIFFE 2nd March 1830- ? April 1909]——(Age 79)
George ILIFFE was born on 2nd March 1830 in Strood, Essex. Being only a boy of 14 when he joined 78th Highlanders on 17th November 1844 he had no trade.
He was listed as a Drummer in 1846 (at Age 16) and as a Private in late October 1847 (He was 18 on 2nd March 1848)

He was wounded slightly on the side of his body at The Battle of Alambagh, on 23rd September 1857 which left scars referred to on his discharge papers.
(*Probably a sword thrust that luckily almost missed its intended target)

It was on 23rd September that Havelock's force drove the rebels from the Alambagh which was a walled park four miles south of the Residency. Leaving the baggage with a small force in the Alambagh, Havelock began the final advance on 25th September.

George served in India for 14 years, Gibraltar for almost 2 years and in Canada for 16 months. His first 3 years & 304 days with the colours did not officially count towards his service total as he was under 18 (14) when signing on. So, in reality with home service his actual time with 78th Highlanders was 24 years and 337 days. (Stated as 21 years, 33 days), being discharged on 17th November 1868.

He then served with 5th Derbyshire Regt for a further 13 years 218 days which gave him a grand total of 34 years and 251 days…. Which in actuality was over 38 years with his disallowed boys service.














His final discharge was at Derby on 29th July 1882 age 52 with his planned residence being:
1 Gerrard Street, Derby.
(Address Still Exists)

With Full Copy Service / Discharge Papers & Confirming Medal Rolls with a Major & Informative Obituary Newspaper Article from the Nottingham Evening Post of April 1909).








An Exceptionally Attractive and Rare Victorian Trio.
Worthy of Inclusion in the Finest Collection.

£4250