A scarce Indian Mutiny medal to Ensign Thomas McCarthy, Bengal Horse Artillery, who was promoted Ensign for gallantry during the campaign

INDIAN MUTINY 1857-58, 3 clasps, Lucknow, Relief of Lucknow, Delhi (Ensign, 2nd Tp. 3rd Bde. Bl. H. Art.) some light edge bruises and contact marks, otherwise very fine

Thomas McCarthy was born at Rathow Tullow, Carlow and enlisted at Carlow 11th March, 1850, aged 20 years. He embarked for India in the 'Camperdown' and landed in Bengal 10th October, 1850, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1858. He was promoted to Ensign Unattached on 23rd July, 1858 ‘having distinguished himself in several actions... being considered by His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief to be eminently deserving of reward.’ By L.C.D. 22nd April, 1846 (G.G.O. 3rd July), the Governor General in Council was authorised to confer upon European Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers who had distinguished themselves in action, the rank of Ensign in the Infantry, Unattached. This distinction was accompanied by a grant of 1,000 Rupees in aid of the necessary outfit for a Commissioned Officer.