The Robert Barltrop Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment

Pair: Captain and Quartermaster J. Menzies, 96th Regiment of Foot, later a Military Knight of Windsor

Jubilee 1887, silver, unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 2nd issue, large letter reverse (James Menzies, Color Sergt. 96th Regt. 1st. June 1848.) engraved naming, with steel clip and large ring suspension, light contact marks, edge bruising, nearly very fine and better (2) £240-£280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Robert Barltrop Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment.

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James Menzies (also recorded as Mingies and Mingis) was born around 1800 in Dundee, Scotland, and was recruited into the 94th Regiment on 31 December 1823. He voluntarily transferred to the new 96th Regiment in March 1824. The 96th sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving there in September 1824. In September of that year the 96th were sent to the West Indies arriving at Bermuda in October, returning to Nova Scotia in 1828, and Menzies was promoted Sergeant on 14 January 1831. The 96th remained in Canada until it returned to the U.K., arriving at Gosport, on 28 August 1835. He subsequently served in Ireland and in Scotland on recruiting duties and was promoted to colour sergeant in April 1837.

Menzies was commissioned Ensign (without purchase) in the 96th Regiment on 27 April 1849, and on 25 February 1853 was given a staff appointment and appointed quartermaster of the 1st (Depot) Provincial Battalion at Chatham, and acted as commanding officer of the depot. He retired on half pay with the honorary rank of Captain on 7 February 1865, at the age of 64. However rather than retiring he moved to Ireland and took up the position of Quartermaster to the Royal North Down Militia, holding this post for nearly 12 years, finally retiring on 12 January 1876 after almost 54 years in uniform.

On 12 January 1875, Captain James Menzies was admitted to the Military Knights of Windsor. He died at Windsor on 14 September 1891.

Sold with extensive copied research.