Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Badajoz (J. Martin, Serjt. 77th Foot.) extremely fine £1000-1200

John Martin volunteered for the 77th Foot from the West Kent Militia on 25 August 1807, a labourer from Deal, Kent. He was one of a group of 50 men from the militia who volunteered for 7 years service and received a bounty of 5 guineas. After participating in the Walcheren expedition in 1809, the 77th did not arrive in the Peninsula until July 1811. Martin was promoted to Sergeant on 25 August 1811, and on 25 September the 77th fought their first action at El Boden. In January 1812 the regiment took part in the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo but did not form part of the storming party on the 19th, being held in reserve. At Badajoz the 77th formed part of the 3rd Division during the assault on 6 April 1812. Whilst the Division had some 500 casualties, those of the 77th were relatively light, just 33 killed and wounded. Having completed his 7 years period of service Sergeant John Martin was discharged on 31 October 1814.

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