Volunteer Force Long Service Medal (India & the Colonies). Victorian issue 'et Imperatrix’ legend (Volr. J. G. Fenner E. Bl. State Ry. Volr. Rifle Corps)

The silk riband fitted with an English hallmarked silver top riband bar (sans pin)

Medal Verification: Medal confirmed as entitled to Volunteer Fenner East Bengal State Railway Volunteer Rifle Corps. Reference 'The Auxiliary Force India And It's Predecessors With Medal Roll Of The Volunteer Long Service Medal (India)' (Alan Harfield, 2015), the VLSM o Volunteer Fenner was published in the Gazette of India issue 1271 of 1896

Volunteer Fenner was one of the original members of the unit at its time of raising. His VLSM being issued after 20 years service in 1896. Between 1896-1901 (inc) it is estimated that 45 x VLSM's were awarded to the unit

Eastern Bengal State Railway Volunteer Rifle Corps: This Volunteer unit had its origins in the raising of of the Eastern Bengal Railway Volunteer Rifle Corps in Bengal Province on 1 March 1873, at which time the establishment of the unit was set at two companies with Headquarters at Calcutta, and outstations at Sealdah & Goalundo. The enrolled strength of the unit in 1873, was 174 'all-ranks' with 166 x classified as 'Efficient'. The unit changed it's name to Eastern Bengal State Railway Volunteer Corps in on 21 November 1884. By 1891. The establishment strength of the unit had expanded to four companies by 1891. By July 1896, the corps had further expanded to comprise 6 x Active Companies and 1 x Reserve Company, with a total authorised strength of 657 x 'all-ranks'. By 1896, the number of outstation detachments had also increased, with detachment now at 9 x locations

James George Fenner, son of James Fenner, arrived in British India during the 1860's. He married Jemima Concordia Ferrault at Akyab (Burma) on, 21 March 1863. By 1868, James and his wife were resident in the port city of Chittagong, where he is recorded employed as an Inspector of Police. He subsequently accepted an appointment as an 'Inspector' of the Eastern Bengal Railway Company. On 21 October 1882, and described as a 'Widower' he married Margaret Isabel Hopkins (described as a Widow) at the Old or Mission Church, Fort William, Calcutta. James George Fenner, 'Traffic Inspector, Eastern Bengal Railway, died from 'Acute Dysentry' at Calcutta, on, 6 August 1898, at which time he was just over 61 years of age. On 14 August 1898, the body of James George Fenner was buried at the 'Dissenters Cemetery', Lower Circular Road, Calcutta

Condition: GVF

Code: 24701