Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Talavera (John Hay, 23rd Light Dragoons) nearly extremely fine £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late John Darwent.

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Ex Glendining April 1964. Not found on published medal rolls but clearly as issued.

John Hay was born at Currey, Midlandon, and enlisted for unlimited service on 10 April 1793, at the age of 30 years, serving in the 17th Dragoons until 9 April 1796, when he transferred to the 23rd Light Dragoons. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Talavera after the disastrous charge made by the 23rd Light Dragoons, and remained a prisoner of the French until 1814. After re-joining from French prison he was in general hospital in Dublin from July to October 1814, when he joined his regiment. He was finally discharged at Manchester on 25 October 1814, due to being worn out. Sold with some research.