Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Martinique (H. McElsander, R. Arty.) edge bruising and contact wear, otherwise nearly very fine £1,000-£1,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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Glendinings, February 1980.

Henry McElsander/McKelsander was born in the Parish of Donoughmore, County Tyrone. A weaver by trade, he attested for the Royal Artillery at Charlemont, County Tyrone, on 23 January 1804, aged 18 years. He served as a Gunner & Driver in the West Indies from 1 December 1808 to 14 April 1809 (capture of Martinique), and afterwards in America for a period of 15 years. He was promoted to Bombardier & Corporal on 18 August 1814; to Sergeant on 2 March 1818; and was appointed Master Gunner on 1 March 1846. This latter rank he held for more than 11 years until his final discharge from 7th Battalion R.A. at Leith on 30 April 1857, by which time he had served a remarkable 53 years 187 days, being aged 71 years 7 months. He was admitted to a Chelsea out-pension of 3/- a day (the maximum), which he collected at Edinburgh until his death on 13 February 1879.

Sold with copied discharge papers.