On 21 March, 1851, a general order was issued announcing that the Queen had signified her assent to a measure proposed by the East India Company, of granting a medal to the surviving officers and soldiers of the Crown who had served in India between 1799—1826. This medal carries 21 clasps, and with it were worn those of Mysore and Seringapatam (Nos. [609]—611), previously given by the East India Company.
578. Campaign in Syria, 1840: Turkish Award. Obv. Fortress of Acre, from which floats Turkish ensign; above, six stars; beneath, Arabic inscription, "The country of Syria and the fortress of Acre, 1256." Rev. Cypher of Sultán Abd-el-Mejeed surrounded by laurel-wreath. Silver. Size 1·15. Ribbon, red edged with white.
This medal was bestowed by the Sultán upon the English naval forces engaged in the war in Syria, 1840: in gold, to officers ranking with field-officers; in silver, to quarter-deck and warrant officers; and in copper, to petty officers, seamen, marines, and boys.
579. Afghan War, 1839—42. Ghuznee, 1839. Obv. View of fortress; beneath, GHUZNEE. Rev. Within laurel-wreath, mural crown; above, 23Ḍ JULY; below, 1839; wearer's name in field and regiment on border. Silver. Size 1·45. Ribbon, crimson and green.
This medal was presented by the Shah Shuja'a el-Mulk, Sovereign of Afghanistan, to the officers and soldiers present at the storming of Ghuznee, 22—23 July, 1839, Sir John Keane commanding. The Queen sanctioned the wearing of this medal, 22 Mar. 1841.
580—581. Another. Khelat-i-Ghilzee, 1841—2. Obv. Within laurel-wreath, shield inscribed, KELAT I GHILZIE; above, mural crown. Rev. Trophy of arms on tablet inscribed, INVICTA. MDCCCXLII. Silver and copper. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Ribbon, military ribbon of India, rainbow-pattern.
Presented by the Governor-General of India, Lord Ellenborough, to the defenders of the fortress of Khelát-i-Ghilzee, who 21 May, 1842, repulsed the attack of 4000 Ghazees. The defenders were natives, with the exception of Captain J. H. Craigie commanding and a few English artillerymen in the service of the Shah, so that no Queen's regiment received this medal. This is a proof.
582. Another: Candahar, Ghuznee, and Cabul, 1842. Obv. Head of Queen l., wearing coronet. VICTORIA VINDEX. W. WYON R.A. Rev. Within laurel-wreath, CANDAHAR GHUZNEE CABUL. 1842; above, crown; wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Ribbon, rainbow-pattern.
This medal was given to the soldiers who served under General Nott during the whole of the campaign, and accompanied him from Candahar to Cabul, viz. from 1 Jan. to 17 Sept. 1842.
583. Another: Ghuznee and Cabul, 1842. Obv. Same. Rev. GHUZNEE CABUL, each within laurel-wreath; above, crown; below, 1842; wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Ribbon, rainbow-pattern.