Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Ghuznee 1839 (A. French Queens Royal Regt.) naming attractively engraved in reverse centre, fitted with contemporary replacement steel clip and ring suspension, very fine £800-£1,000

Absalom French was born in the Parish of Stapleford, near Romford, Essex, and originally attested for the 97th Infantry at Queen’s Square, London, on 7 April 1824, aged 19. He transferred to the 2nd Foot (Queen’s Royals) on 25 June 1824, and served abroad in the East Indies for 18 years 4 months, and in ‘Scinde, Beloochistan & Affghanistan’ for 1 year 3 months. He was discharged at Chatham on 9 September 1845, being ‘unfit for further service & disability - impaired vision & weakness arising from long service in a tropical climate... for the last 6 years 6 months his conduct has been very good. Previous to that he was three times tried - the First in December 1830 for being drunk & using insubordinate language - 2nd in September 1837 for disobedience of Regimental Orders - 3rd in February 1838 for being drunk & striking an Acting Corporal. His general character is that of a good and trustworthy soldier - he has been in possession of 3 Distinctive Marks of Merit since 9th November 1844.’ (Ref: WO 97/242)