Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (1630. M. Kelly, 99th Foot.) officially impressed naming, fitted with contemporary pin-brooch engraved with a fern, a little polished, otherwise nearly very fine and scarce £700-£900

Michael Kelly was born in the Parish of Tuam, Co. Galway, and enlisted into the 99th Regiment on 12 October 1841, aged 20, a labourer by trade. In June 1843 he embarked for New South Wales, arriving there in the following November. According to the regimental musters he served in New Zealand from August 1844 to July 1847, and afterwards at penal colonies throughout Van Dieman’s Land (later Tasmania) including the infamous colonies at Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck. The 99th Foot being due to return to England, he transferred to the 1st Battalion, 12th Regiment in Tasmania on 31 October 1855, and was discharged there on 31 August 1856, ‘Free and [with?] 12 months pay’.

Sold with full muster details.