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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 11

(x) Military General Service 1793-1814, 4 clasps, Roleia, Vimiera, Talavera, Salamanca (John Sulivan, 32nd Foot), nearly extremely fine

Provenance:
Glendinning's May 1926 & February 1963.

John Sulivan (also variously spelled 'Sullivan') served with the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot and is confirmed on the Medal Roll with entitlement to these four clasps. Whilst participating fully in the battles of Rolica and Vimeiro (17 and 21 August 1808 respectively) the 32nd were then involved in the Retreat to (and subsequent Battle of) Corunna on 16 January 1809 - and did not return to the Iberian Peninsula until June 1811; therefore entirely missing the Battle of Talavera, 27-28 July 1809.

Interestingly, Sulivan's name appears on the Roll as serving during this engagement with the 2nd Battalion of Detachments: this unusual unit was formed of men left over from the British force in Portugal, who were detached from their parent regiments for various reasons including through illness, separation during the retreat to Corunna, and simply stragglers who failed to keep up with the main body of the army. For administrative purposes these men were formed into battalions, which then fought in the Talavera campaign with some notable success - the 1st Battalion being commended by Wellesley himself for their gallantry and good conduct. After the battle, the Battalions of Detachments were disbanded and the men sent to rejoin their parent regiments - whether at home or on campaign. Sulivan clearly reconnected with the 32nd to participate in the Battle of Salamanca (22 July 1812) and it is worthy of note that his Medal, with this number and combination of clasps, appears to be unique to the regiment.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£3,500

Starting price
£700