A Storming of Delhi casualty Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-59 to Corporal John Couch, 9th Lancers, clasp:

A Storming of Delhi casualty Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-59 to Corporal John Couch, 9th Lancers, clasp: Delhi (CORPL JOHN COUCH, 9TH LANCERS), nearly extremely fine.

John Couch was born in Southam, Warwick and attested for the 9th Lancers at Westminster on the 11th April 1850, aged 22 years. He was present at the Battle of Badli-ki-Serai on the 8th June 1857, and at Delhi throughout the siege, where his regiment saw much action. When the final assault on Delhi was made on the 14th September 1857 the 9th Lancers were part of a Brigade that was moved to cover the right flank of the besieging batteries - left undefended by the assignment of Infantry to the assault. The enemy made great efforts to dislodge them but "There the sate [sic], firm in their saddles, 'ghastly motionless as if they slept' whilst the unerring grape shot streamed upon them and made dreadful openings in their ranks.....The courage of the 9th Lancers was never surpassed."* Couch was dangerously wounded either by grapeshot or round shot in the right arm, which he consequently lost to amputation. He had been promoted to Corporal only two days earlier. He was discharged at Chatham, 7th December 1857.

* Major E. W. Sheppard, 'The Ninth Queen's Royal Lancers, 1715-1936'.