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Auction: 20002 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Space Exploration
Lot: 265

Military General Service 1793-1814, 4 clasps, Roleia, Vimiera, Corunna, Barrosa (Thos. Milburn, 82nd. Foot.), minor edge bruise, good very fine

Provenance:
McKenzie Collection 1873.
Glendining's, September 1950.
Seaby 1975.
Spink, May 1980.

Thomas Milburn was born in January 1782 at Hook, Hampshire and enlisted in the 82nd Foot on 20 April 1805. In August 1807, the Battalion was sent to Copenhagen and were involved in trying to prevent Napoleon implementing his 'Continental System'. On returning to England, the 1st Battalion was sent to Portugal, diverting to Gibraltar and Garrison duty on seeing the French had occupied Lisbon. They formed part of Spencer's Division and were requested to land at Puerto Santa Maria to assist the Spanish. They were then diverted to Mondego Bay, Portugal to join Sir Arthur Wellesley and his newly arrived Army. On 17 August 1808, they took part in the first action at Roliça, quickly followed on 21 August 1808 in the defeat of Junot's army at Vimeiro, the unit were specifically 'mentioned'. Following those actions they advanced south towards Lisbon, with the occupation of Portugal being complete.

Next involved in Sir John Moore's advance into northern Spain towards Madrid, here they were caught in a pincer movement led by Napoleon himself and had to retreat north towards Corunna passing over the mountains in the middle of winter. The extreme conditions were made worse due to lack of food, supplies and footwear, with the French cavalry in close order to capture and execute any stragglers. They eventually reached Corunna and made a famous last stand before embarking on the 16 January 1809, but losing Moore in the process.

Returned to active duty in July 1809, when they were sent on the abortive Walcheren Expedition, landing on South Beveland and losing many men to fever before returning to England.

Having been drafted with new soldiers they were once more ordered overseas, this time as Garrison duty in Gibraltar, here in October they were placed under the command of Lord Blayney for an attack on Fuengirola in an attempt to draw the French garrison out of Malaga. Blayney had not accounted for the resilience of the Polish defenders, who routed his force, taking Blayney as a prisoner in the process. Returning back to Gibraltar, the Light and Grenadier Companies were sent to Tarifa to form part of Lieutenant-Colonel Browne's Flank Company's in Lieutenant-General Graham's force to relieve the siege of Cadiz by attacking the French forces at Chiclana on 5 March 1811. Lieutenant-Browne's Flank Brigade was given responsibility to guard the baggage train and protect the heights at Barrosa, whilst the remainder of Graham's commanded had been ordered up the coast to Bermeja. The French with a Division commanded by Ruffin attacked the height driving the small band of 470 men down the hill to the forest - Graham returned on hearing the news and ordered Browne to attack, this was to gain time for the Guards Brigade to emerge and form at the base of the hill for a counter attack.

Browne with his small band of men dutifully obeyed, ascending the hill as the French opened with cannon and musketry, knocking over half his men with the first volley. Milburn was wounded in action that day and it seems most likely is would have been during this desperate action. He was wounded in the left foot and returned to Gibraltar were he would remain until 25 May 1812 when he was transferred to the 4th Veteran Battalion serving there.

The unit were disbanded on 24 September 1814 and Milburn was discharged to appear before a Pension Board for his injury. Milburn died having lost his sight on 28 May 1856 and was buried at Hartley Wespall.




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Sold for
£2,400

Starting price
£950