Description
Volunteer Long Service and Good Conduct (India and the Colonies), GV, Volunteer John Kettle, Bengal and North Western Volunteer Rifles.
Officially engraved in script: “Vol J Kettle Bl North W Ry Vol Rfls”
Awarded in India Army Order No 292 of 1915, shortly afterwards, 63 year old John Kettle died later that year.
In excellent unworn condition, some hints of lacquer and toning.
Ex John Tamplin Collection, DNW 24th June 2009.
Sergeant John Kettle, of the 51st Foot, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was born circa 1852 in Castle Bytham, Bourne, Lincolnshire.
Having been a Bricklayer, aged 20, he attested for service with the 51st Foot on 6th February 1872.
A year later, on 22nd October 1873 he embarked for the “East Indies” where he would remain for the rest of his life.
“Served in operations against Jowaki during December 1877
7 Months with the Army in the Afghan War 1878-79
8 Months with the Army in the Afghan War 1879-80
Present in the Action at Ali Musjid 21st November 1879.
Indian Medal and clasp for Jowaki and Burma 1885-7
Medal for Afghanistan War and Clasp for Ali Musjid”
His promotions and regiments:
Appointed Lance Corporal, 14th Novr 1880.
Joined the South Yorks as Private, 1st July 1881
Promoted Corporal, 24th February 1882.
Re-engaged at Dinapore with desire to complete 21 years of service on 25th January 1884.
Corporal, 6th February 1884
Lance Sergeant, 18th May 1884
Promoted Sergeant, 26th March 1885
Appointed Pioneer Sergeant, 4th May 1886
Whilst on service he met his 1st Wife and married Alice Maud Thompson at Dinapore on 15th September 1884.
Having completed an extensive 21 years terms of service, with 19 years 161 days in the “East Indies” he was discharged at Nowshera on 31st March 1893.
With his retirement from the Army, he remained in his new home of India, taking up a job with the Bengal and North Western Railway as a Guard, also being a Volunteer of the company’s Volunteer Rifles whilst living in Amroha
Having completed his 20 further years of service as a Volunteer, he was issued with this medal on 7th June 1915.
The year earlier he had remarried, aged now over 60, and had now been awarded his final long service medal, a few months later he died on 14th September 1915.
