Indian Mutiny 1857-59. With clasp 'Central India' (Private. Shaik Oosman. 24th Regt N.I.)

The recipient was an Indian soldier of the Mussalman faith who held the rank of Private while serving with the 24th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, a regiment of the H.E.I.C. Bombay Presidency Army

Indian Mutiny Service:  During the Indian Mutiny 1857-58, the regiment, under the command of Major WG Duncan, operated in Central India against the Marathas led by Tatya Tope and the Rani of Jhansi. In December 1857, it joined the Central India Field Force and during the next six months, fought in several major engagements, including the storming of the fortress of Rahatgarh, the Relief of Saugor, the capture of Jhansi and the Battle of Kalpi, where the Mahratta Army was decisively defeated. It remained employed in mopping up operations till 15 December 1858. During the campaign, it suffered a total of 52 casualties

Victoria Cross Regiment: During the Indian Mutiny Lieutenent William Alexander Kerr, a Scottish Officer of the 24th Bombay Native Infantry was awarded a Victoria Cross, the citation of which was published in the London Gazette issue of 27 April 1858 as under:

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24th Bombay Native Infantry. Lieutenant William Alexander Kerr. Date of Act of Bravery, 10th July, 1857.
On the breaking out of a mutiny in the 27th Bombay Native Infantry in July, 1857, a party of the mutineers took up a position in the stronghold, or paga, near the town of Kolapore, and defended themselves to extremity. "Lieutenant Kerr, of the Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse, took a prominent share of the attack on the position, and at the moment when its capture was of great public importance, he made a dash at one of the gateways, with some dismounted horsemen, and forced an entrance by breaking down the gate. The attack was completely successful, and the defenders were either killed, wounded, or captured, a result that may with perfect justice be attributed to Lieutenant Kerr's dashing and devoted bravery." (Letter from the Political Superintendent at Kolapore, to the Adjutant-General of the Army, dated 10th September, 1857.)
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The award of the VC to Lieutenant Kerr, was the only Victoria Cross won by the 24th Bombay Native Infantry, and its descendent units 124th Baluchis & 1/10 Baluch in the period 1858-1947 
24th Regiment of Bombay Infantry: The regiment was raised in 1820 as the 2nd (Marine) Battalion 12th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry. It was designated as the 124th Duchess of Connaught's Own Baluchistan Infantry in 1903 and became 1st Battalion 10th Baluch Regiment in 1922. In 1947, it was allocated to Pakistan Army, where it continues to exist as 6th Battalion of The Baloch Regiment
A desirable and scarce seen on market Indian Mutiny Medal named to the 24th Bombay Native Infantry

Medal toned, with slightly loose claw

Condition: Toned GVF

Code: 26167