Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Punjab campaign medal to Private James Murtha, 24th Foot, who was killed in action at Sadoolapore, 3 December 1848

Punjab 1848-49, no clasp (J. Murtha, 24th Foot.) good very fine and a very rare casualty £600-800

James Murtha was killed in action at Sadoolapore on 3 December 1848 (Name given on some rolls as Murtle).

Four officers and 24 other ranks were awarded the Punjab medal without clasp.

‘On 3rd December occurred the combat of Sadoolapore. A strong force of Sikhs came out to oppose the further advance of Thackwell’s division and to cover the retrograde movement of the rest of their troops. In the artillery combat which ensued, and lasted several hours, the 24th were most of the time lying down under fire. The regiment had Colour-Sergeant James Collins and Private J. Murtle (sic) killed and four men wounded, of whom Colour-Sergeant Wm. Young and Private James Bobb died of their wounds. Major Henry Harris, commanding the regiment, had his horse killed under him.’ (Historical Records of the 24th Regiment refers).