Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Ava (M. Barley, 44th Foot) short hyphen reverse, officially impressed naming, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise better than good fine £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kuriheka Collection of British Medals.

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Michael Barley was born in the Parish of Ballaghkeen, near Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, and attested for the 44th Regiment at Waterford on 27 December 1817, aged 18 years. He served in the East Indies, 17 years, 285 days, after making a deduction for imprisonment of twenty-seven days; served in Arracan during the Burmese War in 1825. He returned to the U.K. in 1841, landing at Gravesend on 22 June, and was discharged on 30 July. According to the Surgeon’s report, this was a case of debility originating principally from his own misconduct and intemperence, and it was further noted that his conduct was ‘very bad’. He was convicted by a Court Martial on 12 December 1823, absent from Barracks without leave and ill-treating some Natives; also on 26 September 1831, firstly drunk and absent from parade, and secondly habitual drunkenness; also on 10 December 1831, firstly drunk for duty, and secondly habitual drunkenness; also on 21 March 1832, firstly absent from drill, secondly absent from ball practise, and thirdly making away with a part of his neccessaries; and on 6 May 1834, firstly drunk in Barracks, secondly absent from Church parade, and thirdly making away with a part of his neccessaries; and also on 9 February 1835, firstly quitting his guard and the Garrison without leave, secondly drunk on the Main Guard at Fort William, and thirdly habitual drunkenness. He was imprisoned in May 1834 for 27 days, which period was subtracted from his service. However, this brief period of imprisonment was followed immediately by a lengthy term of 6 years and 106 days, all of which counted towards his service, culminating in his release on 30 September 1840. Sold with copy discharge papers.