The Collection of Medals formed by the late John Darwent

Pair: Colour-Sergeant William Beckham, Scots Fusilier Guards

Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Vittoria, Nive (W. Beckham, Serjt. 3rd Foot Gds.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 1st issue, large letter reverse (W. Beckham, Colour Serj. Scots Fus. Guards. 1842) fitted with replacement ring and deep square silver bar suspension inscribed ‘Peninsula’, both medals fitted with silver ribbon buckles, very fine (2) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late John Darwent.

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William Beckham was born in the Parish of St Michael at Plea, Norfolk, circa 1794, and was a silk weaver prior to enlisting into the 3rd Foot Guards on 3 May 1812, a volunteer from the East Norfolk Militia, aged 18 years. He was discharged as a Colour-Sergeant in London on 24 May 1842, aged 48 years. His discharge papers state that he served ‘at Vittoria and other actions in the Peninsula, 2 years, viz 1812 to 1814,’ and ‘in Portugal one year & a quarter, viz 1827 & 1828.’ William Beckham died as a Chelsea out-pensioner at Norwich on 21 March 1867, aged 73 years. Sold with copy discharge papers.