Chats on Military CuriosJohnson, Stanley C. (Stanley Currie)
History
Chats on Military Curios
Johnson, Stanley C. (Stanley Currie)
Military art and science
In consequence of the dissatisfaction which the medal caused, another
was struck by the Mint in London and sent out to the troops in 1845. An
order was issued at the same time stating that all recipients of the
Calcutta award could have their decoration changed for the London award
on making formal application. Curiously enough, the soldiers who had
grumbled at the pattern of the earlier medal showed little desire to
become recipients of the newer piece, and in only a few cases was the
exchange made. The London striking is consequently somewhat rare.
The Mint medal bore the Wyon head of Victoria surrounded with the words
"Victoria Vindex," whilst the rear showed a graceful figure of Victory,
with wings, holding a flag and a laurel wreath. The words "Jellalabad,
VII April MDCCCXLII" encircled the figure. The rainbow ribbon of India
suspended the medal.
The early forties were troublous times in India. Hardly twelve months
after Jellalabad had been fought and won, a medal was earned by our
brave troops in the province of Scinde. Referring to this campaign,
Mayo quotes the following interesting letter:--
"COLONIAL OFFICE,
DOWNING STREET.
_18th July, 1843._
MY LORD,
I have the honour to acquaint your
Lordships, that the Queen, being desirous of commemorating
the signal success obtained by the
Force under the command of Major-General Sir
Charles Napier, in Scinde, has been graciously pleased
to command that a Medal, to resemble as nearly as
possible that proposed for the Troops employed in
Afghanistan, should be conferred upon the Officers,
Non-commissioned officers, and Soldiers in Her
Majesty's Service, who were engaged in the Battles
of Meeanee and Hyderabad.
Without anticipating the course which the Court
of Directors of the East India Co. may propose
to take for commemorating the success of the
Company's Troops in Scinde, I think it nevertheless
right to add that Her Majesty would readily permit
the Officers, Non-commissioned officers, and Soldiers
of the Company's Army to whom the Court of
Directors might think proper to grant Medals in
commemoration of the Battles of Meeanee and
Hyderabad to wear such Medals in all parts of
Her Majesty's Dominions.
I have etc.,
STANLEY,
_The Presidency of the Indian Board_."
The Mint medal issued in March 1846 bore the Wyon head of Victoria,
with the words "Victoria Regina" on the obverse, but of the reverse
there were three patterns. The first showed a laurel wreath and crown
encircling the word "Meeanee"; the second had the word "Hyderabad"
substituted; whilst the third gave both battles, namely "Meeanee and
Hyderabad." The rainbow ribbon was again employed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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