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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 4

The Military General Service Medal awarded to Private J. Stringer, 95th Foot (Rifles), who was thrice wounded during the Peninsular War and was taken a Prisoner of War at the Battle of New Orleans

Military General Service 1793-1814, 5 clasps, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Orthes, Toulouse (J. Stringer, 95th Foot), suspension re-affixed, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine

Provenance:
Glendinning's, June 1954.
Medals relating to the American War of 1812 from William G Cheoros, DNW, September 2004.

A unique combination of clasps to the 95th Foot.

Joseph Stringer was born in Bedfordshire circa 1789, being first traced on the Musters for the 2nd Battalion, 95th Rifles in May 1809 at Hythe. Transferring to the 3rd Battalion in May 1809, they were stationed as Hythe Barracks then Braeborne Lees from December 1809 and in June 1810 to Ashford, Kent. Promoted Corporal in August 1810, the Battalion moved to Shorncliffe in September 1811. Reduced Private in April 1812, he joined the Battalion service companies in the field that July in Spain having spent June in hospital. Stringer shared in the retreat towards Portugal and Cantonments at Espeja September to December 1812, from December 1812-March 1813 he was in camp at Vera serving in No 3 Company. In hospital until 15 April 1813, the Battalion took part in the crossing of the Agueda and the Tormes towards Salamanca, Toro, Palencia, the affair at Hormoza, skirmish at San Millan, Battle of Vittoria (wounded) and pursuit of the French Army.

From June 1813 the Battalion was at Arrauntz and Grizolles, France, marches to the Pyrenees, fight at the bridge of Jansi, pursuit of the French by the Pass at Vera, combat of Echelar and to the encampment at Santa Barbara. In September the Battalion took part in the combat at Vera Bridge, forcing of the Pass at Vera and in October the attack at Arrhunes. At the battle of Toulouse, the 3rd Battalion sustained 32 casualties, (including Rifleman Stringer) the highest in the Light Division.

Promoted Corporal in April 1814, the Battalion sailed aboard Dublin arriving at Plymouth in July 1814, returning to Shorncliffe on conclusion of the Peninsular War he was reduced to Private the following month.

Come September 1814, the Battalion embarked for America aboard Dover and Fox, travelling to America via Barbados, Isle Dauphin landing on 11 December 1814 the Battalion marched towards New Orleans. Recorded as missing in action on 23 December 1814 in the affair at Hallen's Piquet, in which 123 Riflemen were recorded as casualties, 43 as missing (including Rifleman Stringer) and later confirmed prisoner of war. Stringer and other prisoners re-joined their units on 15 March 1815 under the terms of the treaty, the Battalion embarked aboard Dover and sailed to England via Havannah.

Discharged in April 1816, his period of service being expired. He was awarded a pension of 6 pence a day from January 1856 whilst residing at Stoughton Moor near Kimbolton, the complaint:

'Wounded thumb at Vittoria, scratch on the head in the Pyrenees. Ball through the side in the hip at Toulouse.' (TNA WO116/66 refers).



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Sold for
£2,000

Starting price
£1300