Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-1859. With 2 x clasps 'Delhi' & 'Relief of Lucknow' (Thos Kelly, 75th Regt)

Medal and both clasps verification: 2291 Private Thomas Kelly (a unique name on the regimental medal roll(s)) is confirmed as entitled to both the medal both clasps per the respective campaign medal rolls of the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment, reference WO 100/38 & WO 100/405 wherein he is shown as having been engaged in the capture of Delhi, while the latter medal roll, compiled and signed at Devonport, England, on, 14 November 1862, shows that the recipient was a Corporal serving with No 2 or 'B Coy' when the medal roll was compiled, and for his services during the Indian Mutiny, when he held the rank of Private, that he was entitled to 'Prize Money for both the capture of Delhi and the capture of Lucknow. The medal shows between 13 November 1857 to 16 March 1858, Private Kelly had been serving with the 'Light' Company of the regiment, and was present at the actions, Alum Baugh (Lucknow) and Cawnpore

Per end notes on the referenced medal roll WO 100/38, the below following is the numerical breakdown of Indian Mutiny medals and clasps awarded to the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment:

- 101 x medals with no clasp
- 7 x medals with clasp 'Lucknow'
- 440 x medals with 1 x clasp 'Delhi'
- 368 x medals with 2 x clasps 'Delhi' & 'Relief of Lucknow'

Total number of Indian Mutiny Medal issued = 900

Thomas Kelly was a native of Kilcarvan, Co. Roscommon, Ireland. Thomas enlisted in the British Army at Athlone, Westmeath, Ireland, on, 2 November 1846. At the time of his enlistment, he was 18 years of age, and had previously been employed as a 'Labourer'. He was posted to the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment, with which regiment he remained his entire subsequent military service of 21 years. The highest rank he held during his service was 'Sergeant', but had been reduced in rank on occasions. At the time of taking his discharge, at Shorncliffe Camp, on, 26 May 1868, he was holding the rank of Corporal, and was in possession of 4 x 'Good Conduct Badges' (heever qualified for a long service and good conduct medal, as he had six times appeared in the regimental defaulters book, and had further been tried once by court martial. During his 22 years plus service, Thomas served 12 years and 10 months overseas n British India, including combat as the capture of Delhi, the Alumbagh (Lucknow) and operations at Cawnpore. At the time of taking his final discharge from the British Army in 1868, he indicated that his future place of intended residence was, Manchester, England

Battle Honours & Victoria Crosses of the 75th Regiment for the Indian Mutiny: The regiment earned 2 x battle honours and 3 x Victoria Crosses (all of the VC's were for 'Delhi') as under:

- Delhi 1857
- Lucknow

- Colour-Sergeant Cornelius Coughlan V.C.: For gallantry at Delhi on, 8 June & 18 July 1857, the award published in the London Gazette issue of 11 December 1862:

Quote,

For gallantly venturing, under a heavy fire, with three others, into a Serai occupied by the Enemy in great numbers, and removing Private Corbett, 75th Regiment, who lay severely wounded. Also for cheering and encouraging a party which hesitated to charge down a lane in Subzee Mundee, at Delhi, lined on each side with huts, and raked by a cross fire; then entering with the said party into an enclosure filled with the Enemy, and destroying every man. For having also, on the same occasion, returned under a cross fire to collect dhoolies, and carry off the wounded ; a service which was successfully performed, and for which this man obtained great praise from the Officers of his Regiment

Unquote.

- Private Patrick Green V.C. : For gallantry at Delhi, on 11 September 1857, the award published in the London Gazette issue of 26 October 1858:

Quote,

For the Act of Bravery recorded in a General Order, issued by the Commander-in-Chief in India, of which the following is a copy:

" Head-Quarters, Allahabad, July 28, 1858.

"GENERAL ORDER,

" The Commander-in-Chief in India is pleased to approve that the undermentioned soldier be presented, in the name of Her Most Gracious Majesty, with a Medal of the Victoria Cross, for valour and daring in the field, viz.:
Private Patrick Green, Her Majesty's 75th Foot, for having, on the 11th of September, 1857, when the picquet at the Koodsia Baugh at Delhi was hotly pressed by a large body of the Enemy, successfully rescued a comrade, who had fallen wounded as a skirmisher.

(Signed) C. CAMPBELL, General,

Commander-in-Chief, East Indies."

Unquote.

- Lieutenant Richard Wadeson V.C.: For gallantry at Delhi on 18 July 1857, the award published in the London Gazette issue of 24 December 1858:

Quote,

For conspicuous bravery at Delhi on the 18th of July, 1857, when the Regiment was engaged in the Subjee Mundee, in having saved the life of Private Michael Farrell, when attached (sic) by a Sowar of the enemy's Cavalry, and killing the Sowar. Also, on the same day, for rescuing Private John Barry, of the same Regiment, when, wounded and helpless, he was attacked by a Cavalry Sowar, whom Lieutenant Wadeson killed.

Unquote

Sold together with a hard copy set of photocopied service papers and medal roll extracts

Condition: About GVF

Code: 23501