| Product
Code |
: |
PUD NO_869-6_AE |
| Subject | : | United Service Institution of India |
| Size | : | 45 mm |
| Metal | : | Copper |
| Description | : | obv. Helmeted head of Athena, right, the virgin goddess of wisdom and war. Her name vertical : AOHNH, in right field. Around border : UNITED SERVICE INSTITUTION OF INDIA * Signed : J.S. & A.B. WYON, rev. A navel crown and a mural crown within a laurel wreath. Signed : J.S. & A.B. WYON.
The Calcutta Mint records a gold medal but copper is also known. The only gold medal examined had inscribed on edge : AWARDED TO MAJOR W.G. HAMILTON, D.S.O., NORFOLK REGIMENT, 1903. Major Hamilton had spent a large part of his Indian career in Bengal, Bombay and the Punjab. He distinguished himself in the relief of Chitral, was mentioned in despatches several times and received the Distinguished Service Order.
Colonel Charles MacGregor (later Major-General) founded the United Service Institution of India in 1870 to promote ‘naval and military art, science and literature’. From the beginning its governing body was a who’s who of the military establishment with the patron being the viceroy. The Early of Mayo, and the vice-patrons the commander-in-chief, Lord Napier, and other top military and naval officers. The council members were some of the most distinguished military men in India including three Victoria cross winners : Colonel C.C. Fraser, Colonel J. Watson and Colonel McLeod Inness. |
