India General Service Medal 1854. Silver issue with 2 x clasps 'Burma 1885-7' & 'Burma 1887-89' (1050 Rifleman Pardesi Ram 44th Bl Infy)

The recipient was an Indian soldier of Assamese ethnicity and Hindu faith holding the rank of Sepoy while serving with the 44th Gurkha (Rifle) Regiment of Bengal Infantry, of the Bengal Presidency Army

In the 188O's, the 44th Gurkha (Rifle) Regiment of Bengal Infantry (and the two other 'Assam' domiciled battalions of the Bengal Presidency Army , vis 42nd & 43rd), comprised 7 x companies of 'Gurkhas' and a single company of Assamese

In October 1903, the regiment was restyled as 8th Gurkha Rifles. The descendent unit continues to serve in the Indian Army in 2023 as 8th Gorkha Rifles

Important: Reference 'British Battles & Medals' (Spink, Seventh Edition 2006), the regiment is recorded as being entitled to both Burma campaign clasps

Burma 1885-87: During the summer of 1886, a force, which included a detachment of the 44th Regiment Goorkha (Light) Infantry, advanced from Manipur and, after some fighting, occupied Tammu in the Kebaw Valley. In October 1886, the remainder of the Regiment proceeded to the front, and until March 1887, was engaged in the pacification of the surrounding country, constantly clashing with dacoits. The regiment was awarded the battle honour 'Burma 1885-87' - the first battle honour earned by the regiment (albeit it had a long record of active deployments in Assam & the North East Frontier of India prior to the Burma campaign of 1885

Burma 1887-89: In November 1888, the Headquarters Wing, 44th Regiment Goorkha (Light) Infantry, left Manipur to reinforce the Bengal troops serving in Burma and joined the Chindwin Field Force at Kanballay; several encounters with dacoits, and hard marching ensued

Condition: GVF

Code: 23046