India General Service Medal 1895-1902. Victoria silver issue with 3 x clasp 'Punjab Frontier 1897-98', 'Samana 1897', 'Tirah 1897-98' (Mathura Dass. Clark to Inspg: Officer P. I.S. Infy.)

Important: Recipient was an Indian of the Hindu faith, who held the appointment of 'Clerk' to The Inspecting Officer of the Patiala Imperial States Infantry

Note: Nine units from the Imperial States Forces - the collective name for the forces of the Indian Princely States - deployed on active service during the North West Frontier campaigns 1897-1898. The largest - and most important contribution - came from the Sikh state of Patiala, which contributed two infantry regiments viz 1st Patiala Rajindra Sikh Infantry, and 2nd Patiala Yadvindra Infantry, which units were of impeccable lineage (their origins and services date to 1705) and fighting traditions, with both regiments having served extensively during the wars of the Sikh Empire, including the Anglo-Sikh Wars, and later in support of the British Raj during the Indian Mutiny & second Afghanistan War 1878-1880. For their services during the North West Frontier campaigns of 1897-1898, the 1st Patiala Infantry was awarded the battle honour 'Punjab Frontier'. The descendent units of the 1st and 2nd Patiala Infantry continue to serve in the Indian Army in 2019, viz 15th and 16th Battalions of the Indian Army. 15th Punjab has the unique distinction of being the oldest infantry battalion of the Indian Army (it has more then 300 years of history)

An extremely rare & unusual seen appointment to an Imperial States Infantry unit - the first we have ever encountered - and unique named to the Patiala's

Condition: VF

Code: 19432