An extremely rare Victoria issue Army M.S.M. dated ‘1848’ on obverse awarded to Sergeant Henry Ormerod, Royal Artillery, who distinguished himself at the relief of Bilboa and other actions during the Carlist war of 1836-37

Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., dated ‘1848’ below bust (Serjt. Henry Ormerod.) cleaned, light edge bruising and contact marks overall, otherwise very fine and extremely rare £1,400-£1,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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M.S.M. with annuity £10 awarded 22 February 1849.
‘This M.S.M. is one of six examples of this very rare award known as extant: Q.M.S. F. Hewson, Rifle Brigade; Sergeant-Major H. Whearing, 17th Foot; Colour-Sergeant J. Searson, 26th Foot; Colour-Sergeant J. Murphy, 91st Foot; Troop Sergeant-Major W. Ryan, 3rd Dragoon Guards, and Ormerod. They are all in the M.S.M. lists issued from 18 April 1848 to 18 August 1849. These lists contain a total of 24 names, however at least two are known from the first of these lists to be the standard undated type.’ (The Annuity M.S.M. 1847-1953, Ian McInnes, refers)

Henry Ormerod was born at Bury, Lancaster, and attested for the Royal Artillery at Bolton on 16 February 1826, aged 22. He served at Jamaica, 5 years 1 month, and on the North Coast of Spain, 3 years 8 months. ‘He distinguished himself at the relief of Bilboa in December 1836, and in the operations of 10th and 16th March 1837. He is in possession of 2 medals for service in Spain. He is also in possession of a silver Medal for Good Conduct per Genl. Order of 10 August 1847, which reward he relinquished on being selected to receive a Silver Medal and Annuity of £10 per annum for “Meritorious Service” - per General Order of 22 January 1849.’

Ormerod was appointed Bombardier in January 1831, and promoted Corporal in September 1833 and Sergeant in October 1833. He was discharged at Portsmouth on 10 January 1854, having been found unfit for further service from chronic rheumatism. The surgeon’s report stated that ‘For the last thirteen years he has been employed as Laboratory Serjeant at the practise ground in the Marshes at Woolwich and during that time has had repeated attacks of Ague; after one attack about twelve months ago, he was affected with Rheumatic pains in the legs and loins, which are very much increased during wet weather and incapacitate him from the performance of his ordinary Military duties.’ He was then aged 49 years 11 months, his conduct being described as having been ‘exemplary’.

Sold with copied discharge papers.