Afghanistan Medal 1878-80. No clasp (42/446. Pte W. Cox, 85th Foot.)

Medal verification: Private William Cox, 85th Foot, is confirmed entitled to the Second Afghan War Medal with no clasp per the respective campaign medal roll cited below:

- Second Afghan War Medal. No clasp: WO 100/53 with remarks that in 1881, he volunteered for service in India with 2nd Battalion 4th Foot

The 85th, or The King's Own Regiment of Light Infantry (Bucks Volunteers) was a British Army line infantry regiment, raised in 1793. Under the 1881 reforms it amalgamated with the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot to form the King's Shropshire Light Infantry in 1881

Reference 'The Afghan Campaign 1878-1880' (S. H. Shadbolt, ), the regiment's record of service during the Second Afghan War was:

Quote,

85TH (KING’S LIGHT INFANTRY). (NOW 2nd BATTN. KING’S LIGHT INFANTRY (SHROPSHIRE REGT.))

In October, 1878, in view of the impending outbreak of hostilities with Afghanistan, the 85th L.I. was ordered to proceed from Lucknow on service, but on arrival at Multan was halted there, there being no further need of reinforcements.

The massacre of the Kabul Embassy in the autumn of 1879, resulting in a renewal of hostile operations, the regiment left Multan for the Kurram Valley on the 23rd September, and arrived at Kohat on the 15 th October. Posted to the Brigade under the command of Brigadier-General Tytier, it entered Afghanistan, and proceeded to Kuram, detachments being sent on, at intervals, to Ali Khel and Balesh Khel.

Portions of the regiment were now employed in the various minor operations ot the Kurram Valley Field Force, assisting in dispersing tribal gatherings, enforcing payment of fines, and the like. In December, 1879, the 85th L.I. formed part of the expeditionary force under Brigadier-General Tytler which proceeded into Zaimusht territory to inflict punishment on the tribesmen of that district. Wings of the regiment were engaged, respectively, in the various operations of both the Right and Left columns, including the attack on the ridge to the north and east of the village of Bagh, on the 13th of the month, and the assault and destruction of Zawa, on the 14th.

After returning from the Zaimusht expedition at the latter end of December, 1879, the 85th L.I. was stationed at Thai, Shalozan, and the Peiwar Kotal. During the succeeding summer and autumn it was employed on the line of communications, and in January, 1881, it returned to India.

Unquote,

The 2nd Battalion of the 4th (King's Own Royal Lancaster) Regiment of Foot, that Private Cox transferred to in 1881, served in British India between 1880-1891. In 1881, the regiment was restyled as 2nd Battalion King's Own Royal Regiment

Condition: Toned GVF

Code: 24301