A Victorian M.S.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant-Major William McCleave, 24th Foot

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (W. McCleave, 24th Foot.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Corpl. W McCleave 1st Bn. HMs. 24th Regt.); Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Sergt. Major. W. McCleave. Late 1/24 Foot.) the first two with edge bruising and contact marks, good fine, the last extremely fine (3) £800-1000

William McCleave was born in the Parish of Ballinfy, County Down, and enlisted into the 24th Foot at Liverpool on 25 January 1847. He was promoted to Corporal on 8 January 1858; Sergeant, 20 May 1860; Colour-Sergeant, 24 February 1868; Sergeant-Major, 24 May 1868. He served overseas in the East Indies for 13 years 8 months, and at Malta for 4 years 7 months. He was discharged to pension at Halifax, Yorkshire, on 13 June 1871, and then served at Burnley in the 5th Lancashire Militia. He was awarded the M.S.M. with annuity of £10 on 21 May 1890 [exchanged for his L.S. & G.C. which he had been awarded with a £5 gratuity prior to his discharge]. Sergeant-Major McCleave died on 29 October 1893. Sold with copied discharge papers and other copied research.