Description
A special Army LSGC to a “Delhi Spearman”, Sergeant James Whittaker, 9th Lancers was a Veteran of Delhi, Relief of Lucknow and Lucknow, earning a 3 bar Indian Mutiny Medal.
Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, VR issue, officially impressed: “1933 SERGt J. WHITTAKER 9th LANCERS”
Only 319 men would earn the Indian Mutiny medal with 3 clasps to the 9th Lancers.
The finest cavalry regiment to fight in the Indian Mutiny, where they earned the new nickname “The Delhi Spearmen” for their bravery in battle. They would earn the most Victoria Crosses out of any Cavalry unit, collecting 12 VCs during the Indian Mutiny.
They were described after the campaign as “The beau ideal of all that British Cavalry ought to be in Oriental countries.”
Sergeant James Whittaker, was born circa 1831 in Dudley, Staffordshire.
Aged 21 on 27th October 1852, having worked as an Iron Moulder, he attested for service with the 9th Lancers, with whom he would spend the next 21 years.
Sergt Whittaker held a spotless record with the regiment, by 1874, he had completed 21 years 163 days of service, without a single entry in the Regimental Defaulter’s Book or having been tried by court martial, his character statement reads:
“His conduct has been Very Good, had he not been promoted he would be in possession of 5 Good Conduct badges.
He is in possession of an Indian Mutiny Medal and clasps for Delhi, Lucknow and Relief of Lucknow, also the Good Conduct Medal, and gratuity of £5.”
He saw the following service and promotions:
Overseas Service, 5 years 189 days in the “East Indies” from 23rd October 1853 until 29th April 1859.
Private, 27th October 1852 – 28th February 1859, 6 years 125 days.
Promoted Corporal, 1st March 1859 – 1st September 1864, 5 years 185 days.
“Allowed to reckon a year’s service for the part taken by him in the proceedings before Lucknow, vide War Officer Letter, 9th lancers, dated 25th August 1864. This service to commence on the 25th February 1858, and count as good service towards the grant and restoration of Good Conduct Pay.
Re-engaged at Dublin for 12 years service.
Corporal 2nd September 1864 – 13th September 1864
Promoted Sergeant, 14th September 1864 – 7th April 1874.
Discharged on 9th March 1874 “To pension as his own request on completion of 21 years service vide WO authority No 19 9 Lancers 395 of 9th March 1874”
Upon his discharge to pension, he chose to remain in Yorkshire, where he would live out the rest of his days.
Shown on the local 1881,1891,1901 and 1911 Census.
During his service he had married his Irish Wife Mary J Whittaker
