A scarce Honourable East India Company M.S.M. pair awarded to Sergeant-Major W. Wilson, Madras European Veterans, late Madras Native Infantry and Madras Artillery

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Serjt. Major W, Wilson, 19th. Madras N.I.) with top silver riband buckle; Indian Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., H.E.I.C. issue (Serjt. W. Wilson Eur: Vets.) with top silver riband buckle, minor edge nicks, very fine (2) £800-£1,000

William Wilson was born around 1816 and attested at London on 12 September 1836 for unlimited service with the Army of the Honourable East India Company. A former plasterer, Wilson was sent on 16 September 1836 to the recruit depot at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, and assigned to the Madras Artillery. Embarking for India aboard the Bombay on 13 May 1837, he was initially appointed Gunner, Horse Brigade, Madras Artillery, and is later recorded in the muster of 1 January 1854 as Sergeant with the 3rd Madras Artillery.

Transferred as Sergeant-Major to the Madras Effective Supernumeraries (Unattached List) on 31 May 1854, Wilson served during the Indian Mutiny with the 19th Madras Native Infantry in Central India under Major-General Whitlock. Remanded back to the Madras Artillery on 25 September 1858, having failed to qualify for the duties required of him by rank under General Order Commander in Chief, Wilson transferred to the Madras European Veterans at Pallaveram, appearing on the annual musters from January 1862 to January 1881 as Sergeant, No. 2774. Awarded the Indian Army M.S.M., with annuity of up to £20, Wilson died from disease of the bladder and prostate on 14 July 1881, after almost 45 years of service to the H.E.I.C.

Sold with copied research.