Orders, Decorations and Medals

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Pyrenees (John Bell, Serjt. Majr. 82nd Foot) light marks and edge bruising, therefore very fine
£1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The collection of Medals formed by the Late Clive Nowell.

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John Bell was born in the Parish of Azerley, near Ripon, Yorkshire, and enlisted into the 82nd Foot at Peterborough on 6 June 1812, aged 18. He was promoted to Corporal in February 1813, to Sergeant in May 1816, and to Sergeant-Major in February 1835. He served abroad ‘12 months in North America, seven months in France, was present at the Action on the Pyrenees on 31st August 1813, when he was taken prisoner of War and detained in France eight months, and at the Siege of Fort Erie and the battle of Cooks Mills in North America

Sergeant-Major Bell was discharged at Devonport on 14 June 1848, being worn out from length of service and being unfit for further service. His testimonial stated that his conduct was that ‘of a very good soldier, having been a non-commissioned officer for 36 years, during which time he was 13 years Sergeant Major of the Regt., & commenced receiving an annuity of Twenty Pounds per Annum for long and meritorious services on the 1st April 1846.’ Sold with copy discharge papers.