Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-1859. No clasp (Jas. Mudget, 3rd. Bengal Eurpn. Regt.)

The recipient was Private James Mudget, 3rd Bengal European Regiment - an infantry regiment of the Bengal Army of the Honourable East India Company

Important: Colour-Sergeant James Mudget, of the 107th Foot, is confirmed to have died at Lucknow Cantonment, India, on, 26 June 1863. His cause of death is recorded as 'Poisoned with opium by his own hand insanity' (Reference N-1-104 page 136, former India Office records held at the British Library, vide the Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bengal 1713-1948. At the time of his death he was 33 years of age, having been born circa 1830

James Mudget - a truly Dickensian name - had evidently been a professional soldier of some considerable standing in the regiment, as prior to being promoted 'Colour Sergeant', he had in 1861, held the rank and appointment of 'Drum-Major Sergeant' (reference British Army, Worldwide Index for 1861)

3rd Bengal European Regiment: Originally raised in India, 1765, for service in the Bengal Army of the East India Company, the 3rd Bengal Europeans transferred to the British Army in 1858, their subsequent styles as under:

- 1858: taken into the British Army as 3rd Bengal Light Infantry
- 1861: renamed 107th Regiment of Foot (Bengal Light Infantry)
- 1881: merged with the 35th Regiment of Foot (Royal Sussex) and became 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment

A fascinating medal to a tragic recipient, who succumbed to Opium poisoning - the British colonial authority in India being the world's largest grower and trader of Opium!

Condition: VF

Code: 22393