4. A wreath encircling the inscription "Cabul, 1842."
The ribbon attached to all the varieties was of the rainbow pattern which has since become familiar on Indian medals.
A native medal was also struck at the Mint for distribution among the Indian troops. Instead of Victoria's bust a trophy of arms surmounting the inscription "Invicta, MDCCCXLII," filled the obverse side.
After Cabul came the Jellalabad rising. To celebrate the victories of this campaign, a medal was struck at Calcutta and distributed to all soldiers who took part in the various actions. The design was considered unsatisfactory; the obverse bore a simple mural crown, the upper edge of which resembled the embattled coping of a castle, whilst the reverse showed the date "VII April 1842," in bold but plain lettering.
In consequence of the dissatisfaction which the medal caused, another was struck by the Mint in London and sent out to the troops in 1845. An order was issued at the same time stating that all recipients of the Calcutta award could have their decoration changed for the London award on making formal application. Curiously enough, the soldiers who had grumbled at the pattern of the earlier medal showed little desire to become recipients of the newer piece, and in only a few cases was the exchange made. The London striking is consequently somewhat rare.
The Mint medal bore the Wyon head of Victoria surrounded with the words "Victoria Vindex," whilst the rear showed a graceful figure of Victory, with wings, holding a flag and a laurel wreath. The words "Jellalabad, VII April MDCCCXLII" encircled the figure. The rainbow ribbon of India suspended the medal.
The early forties were troublous times in India. Hardly twelve months after Jellalabad had been fought and won, a medal was earned by our brave troops in the province of Scinde. Referring to this campaign, Mayo quotes the following interesting letter:—
"Colonial Office,
Downing Street.
18th July, 1843.
My Lord,I have the honour to acquaint your Lordships, that the Queen, being desirous of commemorating the signal success obtained by the Force under the command of Major-General Sir Charles Napier, in Scinde, has been graciously pleased to command that a Medal, to resemble as nearly as possible that proposed for the Troops employed in Afghanistan, should be conferred upon the Officers, Non-commissioned officers, and Soldiers in Her Majesty's Service, who were engaged in the Battles of Meeanee and Hyderabad.
Without anticipating the course which the Court of Directors of the East India Co. may propose to take for commemorating the success of the Company's Troops in Scinde, I think it nevertheless right to add that Her Majesty would readily permit the Officers, Non-commissioned officers, and Soldiers of the Company's Army to whom the Court of Directors might think proper to grant Medals in commemoration of the Battles of Meeanee and Hyderabad to wear such Medals in all parts of Her Majesty's Dominions.
I have etc.,
Stanley,
The Presidency of the Indian Board."
The Mint medal issued in March 1846 bore the Wyon head of Victoria, with the words "Victoria Regina" on the obverse, but of the reverse there were three patterns. The first showed a laurel wreath and crown encircling the word "Meeanee"; the second had the word "Hyderabad" substituted; whilst the third gave both battles, namely "Meeanee and Hyderabad." The rainbow ribbon was again employed.