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Auction: 18003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 56

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Mooltan, Goojerat (Bugler J. Walsh. 1st Bn. 60th R. Rifles.), minor contact marks and edge bruise, better than very fine

James Walsh was born on Guernsey during 1812. He attested for the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles as a Bugler on 9 March 1825, aged 13. The battalion was stationed in the Mediterranean from 2 November 1830 until 10 June 1840. Though he briefly served as a Private in 1832, Walsh was again appointed Bugler on 6 April 1835. He clearly performed this role with distinction, holding it for the rest of his Army career. From 10 March 1841, Walsh received Good Conduct Pay of one shilling per diem.

The 60th Rifles arrived on the banks of Sutlej on 16 October 1845. Walsh was present at the siege of Mooltan, a rebellious Sikh city, from November 1848 to January 1849. The 60th Rifles took part in the main assault on the Khoone Bhoorj ('The Bloody Bastion') on 2 January 1849. The Sikhs offered stubborn resistance, and Crawford estimates British casualties around the Khoone Bhoorj at 250 men (Crawford 1967, 60). This imposing fortification still stands today. After Mooltan fell on 22 January, the 60th joined Lieutenant-General Whish's lightning march to Ramnagar. Whish seized the fords across the River Chenab at Wazirabad, trapping the Sikh army on the open plain of Goojerat and enabling the decisive British victory (see Lot 549, April 2018).

Walsh was promoted to Corporal on 21 November 1849. He was discharged at Chatham on 23 September 1857, his Conduct described as 'exemplary'. On inspecting Walsh, the Principal Medical Officer made the rather sad remark: 'Corporal James Walsh is worn out by age and long service. He is a Bugler and is no longer able to blow'; sold with copied enlistment and discharge papers.

Recommended reading:

Crawford, E. R., The Sikh Wars, 1845-9, in B. Bond, ed., Victorian Military Campaigns (London, Hutchison, 1969), pp. 31-68.

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Sold for
£750