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Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 3

Military General Service 1793-1814, disc only with later ornate suspension with engraved details 'Talavera 1809 Albuhera 1811' (A. Townsend, 29th Foot.), nearly very fine

Ex-Hoare, October 1995.

Alexander Townsend, a native of Kenalley, Fermanagh was born in 1792 and was discharged in September 1816, his papers noting 'nearly blind, Albuhera'. Emigrating to Canada and drawing a Chelsea Pension, by 1852 he appears to be living in Drummond Township, Lanark County, Ontario.

His Medal was issued with the two clasps for 'Talavera' and 'Albuhera'. At some stage the suspension and clasps were replaced with a more ornate version, the new suspender hooking through a drilled hole at the top of the disc.

The 29th Regiment was one of the first British units to deploy during the Peninsular War in July 1808. It fought at Roleia (1808), Vimeiro (1808), Talavera (1809) and Albuhera (1811), capturing two French Colours.

The 29th distinguished themselves during the battle of Talavera in 1809. General Hill, whose horse had been shot under him, led the 29th in a charge, completely routing the enemy. After the battle, Sir Arthur Wellesley (afterwards Duke of Wellington) reported on the 29th, "It is the best Regiment in this Army".

In 1811, the 29th took part in the Battle of Albuhera. It was during this battle that Ensign Richard Vance, who had only seven months service, was carrying the Regimental Colour. Seeing the desperate plight of the Regiment, he tore the Colour from its pole and hid it under his coat, rather than let it fall into the hands of the enemy. He was found dead after the battle lying where the fighting was hottest, with the Colour of his Regiment still in the breast of his coat the pole lying by his side.

Following the battle of Albuhera Wellington visited a hospital full of wounded troops from the 29th Regiment. He addressed the men by saying, 'Men of the 29th Regiment I am sorry to see so many of you here'. A Sergeant replied, 'If you had commanded us, My Lord, there wouldn't be so many of us here'.


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Sold for
£900

Starting price
£480