Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee 1845, 3 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal, Sobraon (James Walsh 31st Regt.) scratching in fields and several heavy edge bruises, otherwise nearly very fine £1,000-£1,400

James Walsh was born in the Parish of Rathwaile, Dublin, and enlisted into the 59th Foot on 4 May 1825, aged 16. Whilst serving in the East Indies he volunteered to the 3rd Foot on 16 December 1828, and subsequently transferred to the 31st Foot on 15 October 1844. He fought with the 31st Foot throughout the Sutlej campaign, including the actions of Moodkee, Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal and Sobraon. On 1 March 1846, Walsh again transferred regiments, this time to the 50th Foot alongside whom the 31st had been serving. Having survived the rigours and dangers of the campaign on the Sutlej, Walsh was now unlucky to be involved in the collapse of the barracks at Loodiana on the evening of 20 May 1846. Suffering a fracture of the neck and dislocation of the right thigh, together with severe contusions of the right knee, and consequently unable to move about without the aid of crutches, he was discharged at Chatham on 25 June 1847.

Sold with copied discharge papers.