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Auction: 20002 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Space Exploration
Lot: 31

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (Michl. Finnell. 51st K. O. Lt. Infy.), very fine

Michael Finnell was born at Kildysart, County Clare in 1818 and enlisted in the 63rd Regiment at Kilrush on 27 February 1839. First seeing service in India, he volunteered to transfer to the 51st Light Infantry in January 1847. Spending three years at Bangalore, the unit were then sent to action during the Second Burma War. Landed at the capture of Rangoon, Finnell would also have been present at Bassein in May. Landing beneath the garrison around the newly-gilt pagoda, the Burmese numbered upwards of 5,000 troops overall in the area while the British and Indian force was less than 1,000. Landing without a shot being fired, Captain Latter (the interpreter) went to talk to the garrison. After a short parley, a brick bat was thrown in his direction which officially began the action. Latter, with some 18 men of the 51st went forward to sieze a gateway, suffered two killed and one wounded in the first shots. Once the pagoda was taken, a Company of the 51st, with Captain Rice at the head made for an enemy stronghold. Rice was shot in the neck and had to be replaced by Lieutenant Carter, who was first onto the parapet with his men. He too was cut down but the battle had been won, with the enemy scattering. The 51st would also be at the taking of Prome in October.

Returning to England, Finnell was confined for being drunk and his health was failing him. He was eventually discharged on 3 January 1857; sold together with a file of detailed research and rolls.

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Sold for
£200

Starting price
£130