This medal was awarded to those who were engaged in the battle of Hyderabad; a similar medal being struck for those who served at Meeanee only. It was also given to officers and men of the Indian Navy.
590. First Sikh War, 1845—6: Moodkee, Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal, and Sobraon. Obv. Same. Rev. Victory l., holding wreath and palm; at her feet, arms. ARMY OF THE SUTLEJ; in ex., MOODKEE. 1845. W. WYON. R.A. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Clasps: FEROZESHUHUR, ALIWAL, and SOBRAON. Ribbon, blue edged with crimson.
The great battles of this campaign, Sir Hugh Gough and Sir Henry Hardinge commanding, were Moodkee, 18 Dec. 1845; Ferozeshuhur, 21 Dec. 1845; Aliwal, 28 Jun. 1846; and Sobraon, 10 Feb. 1846. If a soldier was present at only one of the four actions, the decoration was awarded to him without a clasp, the name of such action being inscribed in the exergue on the reverse; but if the recipient served in more battles than one, then for each engagement he received an additional clasp. (See next medal.) This is a proof.
591. Another: Aliwal and Sobraon, 1846. Same: but on reverse ALIWAL. 1846; wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Clasp: SOBRAON. Ribbon, as previous.
This medal shows that the recipient was present at two engagements, Aliwal and Sobraon.
592. Military Services, 1793—1814: Peninsular War. Obv. Same: but beneath head, 1848. Rev. Queen on pedestal r., placing wreath on head of Duke of Wellington, who kneels before her; at her feet, recumbent lion. TO THE BRITISH ARMY 1793—1814. W. W. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Clasps: ROLEIA, VIMIERA, CORUNNA, TALAVERA, BUSACO, FUENTES D'ONOR, CIUDAD RODRIGO, BADAJOZ, SALAMANCA, VITTORIA, PYRENEES, NIVELLE, NIVE, ORTHES, and TOULOUSE. Ribbon, crimson edged with blue.
Great disappointment having been expressed that no medal had been awarded either to the army or navy for the numerous victories achieved between 1793—1814, the Queen, 1st June, 1847, ordered that a medal should be struck and bestowed upon any surviving officer or private present at any battle or siege between those dates. For this purpose, the above medal was struck. It carries 28 clasps, and the earliest military service thus decorated is the campaign in Egypt 1801, which was, however, not included in the general order, but was afterwards granted under an order 12 Feb. 1850. A similar order was issued regarding naval services, commencing with the capture of the French frigate "Cleopatra," 18 June, 1793, and for which a separate medal was struck, having on the reverse, Britannia seated on sea-horse, holding trident and olive-branch. The medal above described is a proof, and has only the clasps given for the principal engagements in the Peninsular War.
593. Indian General Service, 1848. "For Meritorious Service." Obv. Same: but no date. Rev. Shields, arms, and flags of East India Company; above, crest; beneath, motto on scroll, AUSPICIO REGIS ET SENATUS ANGLIÆ; around, FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Ribbon, dark crimson.
This medal was given by the East India Co. for "meritorious service" in India before 1848. This is a proof.
594. Second Sikh War, 1848—1849: Punjab Medal. Obv. Same. Rev. Surrender of the Sikh army: Lord Gough on horseback l., before the British army drawn up in line; before him, the enemy laying down their arms. TO THE ARMY OF THE PUNJAB. MDCCCXLIX; wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Clasps: CHILIANWALA and GOOJERAT. Ribbon, blue with narrow stripes of yellow.