19th Century Cut Signature of Decorated British Army Officer and Adjutant-General in India Sir Edward Lugard

On offer is a signature of Sir Edward Lugard (1810-1889) of the British Army. It is signed with the rank Major General.

Lugard received his first commission in 1842 as an Ensign in the 31st (Huntingdonshire) Regiment of Foot, and served in the First Anglo-Afghan War, and both First and Second Sikh Wars. His station in India continued as he was appointed as Adjutant-General for the Punjab District in 1848, then as Deputy Adjutant-General in Bombay in 1854. He acted as Chief of Staff during the Anglo-Persian War (1856-57) before becoming Adjutant-General in India in 1957, a position he held until his return to the United Kingdom in 1859 .

In 1862 he was appointed Colonel of his previous regiment, the 31st (Huntingdonshire), which amalgamated in 1881 with the 70th Foot to form the East Surrey Regiment, after which he was Colonel of the 1st Battalion of the new regiment until his death.

Lugard’s duties in the United Kingdom included serving as Permanent Under-Secretary of State of War from 1861 until 1871. In March of 1867 he advanced to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and became a Privy Councillor in November 1871. His promotion to the rank of General followed in November 1872.

Sir Edward died in 1898 at the age of 88. He is memorialized with a plaque in All Saints Church, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey.

This signature is on a piece of cut paper measuring 3-¾ x 1-1/4 inches, with torn corners and age toning. There is a partial watermark on the right edge that may have been a shield or crest. Date unknown. Condition is Good.