INDIA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 1854 95

This medal, instituted in 1854, covers a very long span of time and many campaigns. 23 clasps were issued in all, 17 of which were for services on the northern frontiers of India, where fighting was almost continual. The remaining clasps were issued for services during expeditions to nearby countries — Persia, Malaya and Burma. Very few pitched battles are commemorated by this medal, but none of the clasps were earned easily, as skirmishes were frequent and casualties often quite high. In addition, most of the expeditions were undertaken in very difficult terrain against determined and often fanatical resistance from tribesmen. Whilst some of the clasps are quite common, others are very scarce and some rare. The three rarest clasps in the series are "Kachin Hills 1892-93", "Hunza 1891" and "Chin Hills 1892-93". The medals were issued in silver to British and Indian troops, although from 1885 onwards bronze awards were issued to native transport personnel and followers. Medals with three or more clasps are very scarce. Whilst awards to British troops are more desirable than those to their Indian counterparts, the latter troops bore the brunt of the fighting on more than one occasion, and their medals give ample scope for an interesting and inexpensive collection. The obverse is the standard Wyon design of the bust of Queen Victoria, whilst the reverse depicts Victory crowning a seated warrior. There are several types of naming; engraved running script is the most commonly found to both British and Indian troops, although some of the earlier clasps to British troops are found impressed in Roman capitals. The ribbon is of red with two dark blue stripes.

Pegu

Persia

North West Frontier

Umbeyla

Bhootan

Looshai

Perak

Jowaki 1877-78

Naga 1879-80

Burma 1885-87

Sikkim 1888

Hazara 1888

Burma 1887-89

Chin Lushai 1889-90

Lushai 1889-92

Samana 1891

Hazara 1891

N.E. Frontier 1891

Hunza 1891

Burma 1889-92

Chin Hills 1892-93

Kachin Hills 1892-93

Waziristan 1894-95

[Medals Year Book 1981 - by D.W. Collett, B.A.]

[Added - 20 November 2005]