Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Defence of Jellalabad 1842, Mural Crown (Pt. Wm. Jordan, XIII P.A.L.I.), with old integral loop and wire suspension bar, regimentally impressed naming, contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise good fine £400-500

Willaim Jordan, who was born in Lorgan, Monaghan, originally enlisted in the 20th Regiment in February 1822. Having then served variously at Calabah, Cauranore and Poona, and gained advancement to Corporal, he exchanged into the 13th Foot as a Private in October 1836. He subsequently served throughout the campaigns of 1838-42, the whole summarised in his discharge papers in the following terms:

‘Present at the storming of Ghuznee in July 1839; the forts of Tootumdurra and Julgar in Kohistan in 1840; several engagements in the forcing of the passes from Cabul to Jellalabad in 1841 and in the defence of the latter fortress in 1841-42; present in the engagement at Jellalabad on 7 July 1842, at Jugdulluk Pass on 8 September, Tezin on 13 September and the recapture of Cabul on 15 September 1842.’

In terms of promotion, Jordan experienced a few “ups and downs” in his career, at one time reaching the rank of Sergeant, but finally being discharged as a Corporal in November 1845, in consequence of ‘infirmity from age and service combined with fever contracted in Scinde.’