Pair: Private Henry Hurd, 14th Light Dragoons

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (14th Lt. Dragns.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (14th Lgt. Drgns.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (2) £400-450

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed by The Late John Cooper.

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Henry Hurd was born in the Parish of Littleham or Withercomb, Devon, and enlisted for the 14th King’s Light Dragoons at Dorchester on 30 June 1840, aged 19. According to his service record he ‘served with the Army of the Punjaub in 1848-49 and was present at the affair at Ramnugger, and at the Battles of Chillianwalla and Goojerat. Special Service - present at the Surrender of the Sikh Army, the occupation of Attock & Peshawur, and the expulsion of the Affghans beyond the Khyber Pass. Received the Medal for services in the Punjaub Campaign, a Bar for the Battle of Chillianwalla, and one for the Battle of Goojerat.

‘Served with the Central India Field Force in 1857-58, under the Command of Major General Sir Hugh Rose, K.C.B., and was present at the Capture of Ralghur 29th January, Action of Barodia 31st January, and pursuit of the Rebels 13th February, Forcing Muddenpore Pass 3rd March, Battle of the Betwa 1st April, Siege and Capture of Jhansi 5th April, Action of Koonch 7th May, Battle of Gollowlie 22nd May, Advance on & Capture of Calpee and pursuit of the Rebels 23rd May, Capture of Morar Cantonments 16th June, and Recapture of Town and Fortress of Gwalior 19 June 1858. Entitled to Medal, Clasp and Prize Money for services in Central India.’

He was discharged at Newbridge on 2 August 1860, suffering from ‘Liver Complaints and Palpitations from 1849, the result of exposure and hard military service in a bad climate for 19 years in India, and not the result of vice or misconduct.’ Sold with copy discharge papers.