Wexford Yeomanry Corps of Cavalry Medal 1799, silver, constructed from two convex discs, the obverse engraved ‘On the 29th of June 1799 this Medal was voted to Joshua Sutton a Private in the Wexford Yeomanry Corps of Cavalry’; the reverse engraved ‘For his galantry [sic] in volunteering to attend his Captn., James Boyd Esqr., who at the head of his first Lieut. & eight Privates of his troop was the first to enter the Town on the 21st June 1798 then in possession of the Rebels, & thereby relieving many of the Loyal Inhabitants who expected a General Massacre. Ebenzr. Jacob, Mayor.’, the two discs held in a silver frame with integral loop suspension, very fine £100-£140

Referenced in Balmer, V.975.

The Wexford Rebellion was the most successful and destructive of all the uprisings that occurred in Ireland in 1798, and lasted from 27 May until General Lake’s forces entered the town 21 June 1798. The appearance of Wexford Yeomanry Corps of Cavalry, preceding the main army, persuaded the rebel army of about 5,000 men to drop their weapons and flee, instead of massacring the inhabitants of the town. The leaders of the rebel force were subsequently captured and hanged on Wexford Bridge on 28 June 1798.

Note: Owing to the uncertainty that exists with the original provenance and manufacture of some early engraved Volunteer Medal, this lot is sold as viewed.