This medal was awarded to the Sepoy regiments who took part in the above expeditions.
614. Conquest of Java, 1811: Capture of Port Cornelis. Obv. Sepoy regiment carrying Fort Cornelis by storm: on the fort is the British flag over the Dutch; above, CORNELIS. Rev. JAVA CONQUERED. XXVI. AUGUST. MDCCCXI; in field, Persian inscription, "This medal is presented in commemoration of the valour and courage displayed by the Sepoys of the Honourable East India Company in the conquest of Java, 1228 Mahommedan Era." Silver. Size 1·9.
Presented by the East India Company to the native troops under Sir Samuel Achmuty for their assistance in capturing the Island of Java, 1811, from the Dutch and French troops. The capture of Fort Cornelis decided the success of the campaign. For this campaign the European regiments afterwards received the medal for Military Services (No. [592]), with clasp for Java.
615. First Burmese War, 1824—1826. Taking of Ava. Obv. Elephant in attitude of submission l., crouching before lion, behind whom English flag unfurled; behind elephant, flag of Burmah drooping; in ex., Persian inscription, "The Elephant of Ava submits to the Lion of England year 1826." W. DANIELL. R.A. DES. Rev. Troops advancing towards a pagoda within stockade; in foreground, general commanding, steamer, and boats in river bombarding; in ex., Persian inscription, "The victorious standard of the English army upon Ava." W. WYON. Gold. Size 1·45. By W. Daniell and W. Wyon. Ribbon, crimson with blue edges.
This medal in silver was bestowed upon the native troops which at any period during the war were employed under the command of General Sir Archibald Campbell, including the officers and men of the gunboats serving on the river Irrawaddy. The regiments of the Crown as well as the navy received for this war the Army of India medal (No. [577]), with clasp for Ava.
616. Afghan War, 1839—1842. Defence of Jelálábád. Obv. Mural crown; above, JELLALABAD. Rev. VII. APRIL 1842. Wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·5. Ribbon, rainbow-pattern.
This medal was struck by order of the Governor-General, Lord Ellenborough, who distributed it to every officer, non-commissioned officer, and private, European and native, of the garrison of Jelálábád, 7 April, 1842, on which day the besieging army of Akbar Khán was defeated by a general sortie, Colonel Dennie and others commanding. Sir Robert Sale commanded the defence. The 13th Light Infantry, the only Queen's regiment engaged in the defence, was authorized to wear this medal 22 Aug. 1842; but it was subsequently replaced by the following one.
617. Second Jelálábád medal. Obv. Head of Queen l., wearing crown. VICTORIA VINDEX. W. WYON. Rev. Victory with wreaths and English flag, flying r. over fortress of Jelálábád. JELLALABAD VII. APRIL; in ex., MDCCCXLII. W. W. Wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Ribbon, rainbow-pattern.
It may be inferred from the great scarcity of this medal that but few availed themselves of the offer of exchange.