The Cheshires in China - 1889-90?

[Guest ExileEric]

While trying to have a major clear-out, I've just found in a load of old family stuff an Indian General Service medal with the clasp for 'Chin-Lushai, 1889-90'. It was issued to 2254 Pte. W. Horam, 1st Bn Ches R.

I haven't the foggiest who Pte. Horam was (although there was a 17 year-old William Horam living in Congleton, Cheshire, according to the 1891 census - that would provide a reasonable age in 1889-90). Certainly there isn't any family connection I'm aware of - but it would be good to try to make this medal a bit less anonymous and my curiosity about the Cheshires has been aroused.

I've tried the net to try to track down the 1st Cheshires' connection with this campaign in China but without luck. In spite of their long survival as an independent, unamalgamated regiment, they seem to be very badly served - the only thing approaching a Regimental Museum or Information Centre appears to be on a difficult to access, uninformative, unresponsive university site in Chester.

Any help gratefully received. Thanks.

(P.S. As a 'belt and braces' approach, I've also posted this on the medals section of the site.)

[jagwca]

Eric ,According to Gordons B.B&M The IGS bar was awarded for service in two expeditions under Brig. W.P.Symonss,known as the Burma Column,formed as a punitive expedion against the Chins.The other,known as the Chittagong Column,commanded by Colonel Tregear,punished the Lushais.This bar was very well earned,as the country that these expeditios had to go through consisted of trackless jungle.About 3400 men took part.

The 1st Cheshires formed part of the Burma Column.

John

[Guest ExileEric]

Eric ,According to Gordons B.B&M The IGS bar was awarded for service in two expeditions under Brig. W.P.Symonss,known as the Burma Column,formed as a punitive expedion against the Chins.The other,known as the Chittagong Column,commanded by Colonel Tregear,punished the Lushais.This bar was very well earned,as the country that these expeditios had to go through consisted of trackless jungle.About 3400 men took part.

The 1st Cheshires formed part of the Burma Column.

John

Thanks, John. You and Ed. have already, in a few words - lightened my darkness about this intriguing and mysterious medal and bar. At least I now have something to go on - without having to plough through loads of stuff in libraries just to get to square one. Ain't the internet wonderful?

Eric