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Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 14

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Salamanca (Joseph Bell, Serjt. 11th Lt. Dgns.), good very fine

Joseph Bell was one of 36 sergeants (along with 32 officers, eight trumpeters and 642 other-ranks) of the 11th Light Dragoons who landed at Lisbon on 30th May 1811 for service in the Iberian Peninsula. The regiment swiftly saw action in several hard-fought skirmishes against the French; one of these (15 August 1811) being the occasion in which they subsequently received their famous soubriquet of 'The Cherrypickers'...albeit for being caught out and surprised by a French force whilst supposedly picking cherries in an orchard!

The 11th's first major action, the 'Affair' at El Bodon (25 September 1811), re-established their reputation as an efficient regiment as they charged the French over twenty times and suffered 30 casualties. They later served in Anson's Brigade during the battle of Salamanca (providing support to Le Marchant's Brigade of heavy cavalry) and subsequently participated in the battle of Garcia Hernandez (23 July 1812), when the cavalry of the King's German Legion made a name for themselves by breaking a square of French infantry.

Sadly the 11th's time in the Peninsular was coming to an end: in October 1812 it was decided to send the regiment home due to the casualties they had sustained in both men and horses and they duly arrived at Portsmouth in June 1813.

Serjeant Bell is confirmed on the roll with entitlement to a Military General Service Medal, clasp Salamanca, only.

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Sold for
£1,800

Starting price
£480