The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Major R. Bethune, 92nd Highlanders, who commanded the...

The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Major R. Bethune, 92nd Highlanders, who commanded the Regiment’s Camel Corps Detachment, captured an enemy standard, and was twice Mentioned in Despatches Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Capt. Robt. Bethune, 92nd. Highlanders) polished, minor edge nick, good very fine £400-£500 --- Robert Bethune was born on 29 July 1827, the second son of Lieutenant-General Alexander Bethune, and a scion of the ancient family the Bethunes of Balfour, and was educated at Edinburgh Academy. He was commissioned Ensign, by purchase, in the 92nd Highlanders on 17 January 1845, and was promoted Lieutenant, by purchase, on 3 April 1846, ands Captain on 18 March 1853. After service in the Ionian Islands and in the Crimea (although the 92nd Highlanders arrived after the fall of Sebastopol ands too late to participate in the campaign, and consequently were not entitled to any medals), he proceeded with the Regiment to India, arriving at Bombay on 6 March 1858. He saw action during the latter stages of the Great Sepoy Mutiny, first in the assault on the enemy positions near Rajgahur on 15 August 1858, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches: ‘The 92nd, under Captain R. Bethune, and the 4th Bombay Rifles, deployed into line and advanced covered by their own skirmishers.’ Bethune saw further action at Mungowlie on 9 October 1858, where the rebels were observed to be advancing in force about half a mile from where the British had camped. A squadron the the 17th Lancers, followed by artillery and infantry, the 92nd commanded by Bethun, were rushed forward to meet them. During the action, a rebel standard-bearer crossed the front of the 92nd, pursued by Assistant Surgeon Landale: ‘Captain Bethune, who was mounted, galloped up just as the standard-bearer had wheeled round with uplifted sword to strike Landale, but paid for his temerity with his life. Two Sowars afterwards rode up and asked if they might take the standard to General Michel, to which Captain Bethune consented.’ (The Gordon Highlanders, the Life of a Regiment refers). Bethune was next in action at Sindwaho on 9 October 1858, where the 92nd played a prominent part in the attack on the village. That December he commanded Nos. 3 and 10 Companies where they were detached from the Regiment, mounted on camels, and posted to join a small force proceeding towards Rutlam, and engaged with the rebels in a minor action at Baroda on 1 January 1859. For his services during the Indian Mutiny he as twice Mentioned in Despatches, and was promoted Brevet Major. Bethune retired from the 92nd Highlanders by sale of his commission in 1859, and was subsequently appointed Adjutant of the 1st Battalion, Fifeshire Rifle Volunteers, in March 1864. He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel of the Volunteers in May 1880, and retired with the honorary rank of Colonel in December 1883. He died on 27 July 1904. Sold with copied research.