MILITARY GENERAL SERVICE 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Talavera, Barrosa (B. Brant, 87th Foot) two small edge bruises, otherwise good very fine and scarce

Ex. Glendining 1930 and Elson Collection 1963.

Private Benjamin Brant was born in Bishbury near Wolverhampron, Staffordshire, and served with the 1st Royal Dragoons and the 7th Royal Veteran Battalion before joining the 87th Foot in July 1808. In 1809, the 87th proceeded to Lisbon, and joined the troops under the command of General Sir Arthur Wellesley; it came up with the enemy at Talavera, on the 27th July, when a severe but glorious action took place. On the 18th February, 1811, the regiment embarked at Cadiz, sailed for Gibraltar, and disembarked at Algeciras. On the 5th March it was engaged in the ever-memorable battle of Barrosa, when it distinguished itself in a most particular manner, as stated in General Graham's official despatches:'The animated charges of the regiment were most conspicuous, and the Eagle of the 8th French Regiment of Grenadiers and a howitzer, rewarded this charge.'This was the first French Eagle to be captured in action since the commencement of the Peninsula War. Sergeant Patrick Masterson who seized the Eagle in the midst of the engagement, was promoted to an Ensigncy. Benjamin Brant was discharged on the 15th May, 1816, in consequence of a weak wrist, at the age of 34, after 12 years and 10 months service.