Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-59. With clasp 'Delhi' (Robt Barrie. 2nd Eurn Bengal Fusrs)

The recipient was No. 1781 Private Robert Barrie of the 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers, an infantry regiment of the Honourable East India Company's Bengal Presidency Army

Provenance: Kenneth C. Lovell, September 1984

Medal Verification: The recipients entitlement to the medal and clasp is confirmed in the respective campaign medal roll of the 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers, reference L/MIL/5/80

Robert Barrie, was a son of Thomas Barrie (a Flesher) and Susan Barrie (nee Mowat or Muat) was a native of the parish of Barony, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1835. At the time of the compilation of the National Census for Scotland in 1851, Robert is recorded employed as an 'Assistant Flesher', and living at home with his widowed mother (shown as 'Head' of household' and employed as a 'Flesher') and two older brothers, Thomas Barrie & Alexander Barrie both of whom are also employed as 'Assistant Flesher's), and his younger sister, Margaret Barrie. In 1851, the Barrie's residence was located at, 1 Abercromby Street, Calton, Glasgow, Scotland. The trade of 'Flesher', is a Scottish name for a butcher, or person who skinned meat carcasses, and or sold meat. Robert was 21 years of age when he attested for the armed forces of the Honourable East India Company, at Glasgow, Scotland, on, 20 April 1855. At attestation, he contracted for 10 years service. In 1855, Robert sailed for India aboard the 'Marchioness of Londonderry', arriving there in the same year. On disembarkation in British India, Robert was posted to the 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers of the H.E.I.C.'s Bengal Presidency Army. He subsequently served throughout the Indian Mutiny, where he fought on Delhi Ridge, during the siege and was present at the storming and subsequent capture of the city, the seat of power of the last ruler of the Mughal Empire

In the final assault on Delhi, the 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers formed part of the '2nd Column' (Colonel. Jones) that stormed the 'Water Bastion' breach. At the assault on Delhi the regiment incurred the following casualties:

- Killed: 2 x NCO's & 25 x Other Ranks
- Wounded: 2 x Officers, 5 x NCO's & 45 x Other Ranks

Presumably, personally enriched from the customary 'looting' that was a feature of the Indian Mutiny, Robert took his discharge at Delhi on his own request (by purchase) on, 8 August 1859. At discharge his character was described as 'Good' and described as 23 Years & 3 months of age. Height 5ft 6.5in. With black hair, fresh complexion and with hazel eyes. For his future intended place of future residence, he gave an address in the Calton district of his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland

After returning to his native Glasgow, the former soldier, again picked up his trade as a 'Flesher', and earned some best avoided notoriety, when he fell foul of the civil authorities, the case being reported in the 'Glasgow Saturday Post' issue of, 16 March 1861;

Quote,

DISEASED BEEF: - At the Central Police Court, on Wednesday, a slaughter-house flesher named William Dougall and a man named Robert Barrie, residing or carrying on business at 35 Prince's Street, were convicted of having, on the 7th inst., in St. Andrew Street, had the dressed carcase of a cow of an unsound and unwholesome description, and unfit for human food in their possession. The defendants pleaded not guilty. It appeared form the evidence that a person in the neighbourhood of Glasgow had been in possession of a cow which was in a dying condition, and that he had given information to certain parties in Glasgow. The persons in question agreed to buy the cow for a very small sum, and they drove the poor animal towards, Glasgow, but, on nearing, Camlachie, the cow became so exhausted that it dropped down, and the purchasers were under the necessity of procuring a vehicle for the conveyance of the beast from the Cattle Market. By this means they carried the cow to Partick, where the animal was slaughtered, after which the carcase was brought back to Glasgow. From inquiries made by our active Inspector, Mr. Harding, he succeeded in connecting the prisoners with the charge, of which they were found guilty, and each found in the sum of £10; failing payment sixty days imprisonment.

Unquote.

Clearly Robert Barrie opted not to cough-up the penalty, and instead took up the prison sentence of 60 days. The 1861 National Census for Scotland (compiled shortly after Robert's imprisonment) records Robert (26), an un-married 'Flesher', as a prisoner inmate at, the North Prison, located at 71 Duke Street, Glasgow

Condition: Mild toned VF

Code: 24530