Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Cabul 1842 (No. 130 William Murdock, 3rd K.O.L.D.), with clip and ornate scroll suspension, correctly named in engraved regimental style although his number should be ‘430’, edge bruising, nearly very fine £400-500

William Murdock, who was born in the parish of Barony, near Glasgow, enlisted in the 3rd Light Dragoons in November 1832, aged 18 years. In his subsequent career of 23 years with the Colours, he witnessed considerable action out in India, initially in the First Afghan War and afterwards in the Sutlej and Punjab campaigns - he was present at Moodkee, Ferozeshuhur and Sobraon 1845-46, and at the actions at Ramnuggar and Sadullapur, the passage of the Chenab, and the battles of Chilianwala and Goojerat 1848-49. Campaigning aside, Murdock was once tried by Regimental Court Martial and sentenced to 30 days, and again by a District Court Martial and sentenced to three months - the latter term, however, was reduced to four weeks by the Major-General Commanding. He was medically discharged in December 1856 - ‘Has for two years been unable to ride without travel pains in consequence of a varix [a tortuous dilated vein] of the left leg. He is also worn out from long service.’