Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Corunna (J. Mc.Nellan, R.H.Arty.) nearly extremely fine £700-£900

Glendining’s, October 1952.

John McNellan fought at the Battle of Corunna on 16 January 1809 as a Gunner in Captain Thomas Downman’s “B” Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. The obituary of Captain Downman, as published in the Morning Herald (London) on 13 August 1852, adds a little more detail regarding the experiences of his men at this time:

‘In October, 1808, he embarked with his troop for Corunna, and on his arrival was attached to the cavalry under Lieutenant General the Marquis of Anglesey. He marched with that corps in its forced march to Zamerga, and was present at most of the cavalry affairs which took place in the advance and retreat of that army, particularly Sahagun and Benevente; he was also frequently engaged while attached to the rear-guard of the late Sir John Moore’s army in covering its retreat to Corunna.’

Sold with copied medal roll entry.