Indian Mutiny Medal. With clasp 'Delhi' (Jas Lewis, 75th Regt)
Medal and clasp verification: 3381 Private James Lewis (a unique name on the medal roll(s)) is confirmed as entitled to both the medal and clasp 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 since the medal roll had been compiled James Lewis was entitled to 'Prize Money' for the capture of 'Delhi, at which action he served with No 8 Company, of the regiment, and had volunteered for transfer to the 51st Regiment (almost certainly so he could extend his overseas service in British India, after the 75th had embarked for return to the United Kingdom).
Extant British Army 'World Wide' service index record that 3381 Private James Lewis was still serving with the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment in 1861, at which time he was located at Fort William, Calcutta, Bengal, British India
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
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
In 1881, the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Foot was amalgamated with the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot, to become 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders
Condition: GVF
Code: 23502