Defence of Jellalabad 1842, Mural Crown (A. McCoy. XIII P.A.L.I.) naming neatly engraved around lower obverse rim, fitted with silver clip and straight bar suspension, good very fine £500-600

Arthur McCoy was born at Knockbridge, County Louth, in about 1816, and enlisted into the 13th Light Infantry at Newry on 30 July 1839, aged 23, a labourer by trade. He was embarked for India on 22 October 1839, where he joined the main body of the regiment already serving there. He served ‘with the Army of the Indus during the campaign of 1841 and ‘42, was present in the several engagements in forcing the passes from Cabool to Jellalabad in 1842 and in defence of the latter fortress in 1841/42; was present in the action of Jellalabad 7th April 1842.’

‘When at work on the ramparts of Jellalabad on the 18th November 1841 [he] was suddenly seized with symptoms of apoplexy which has terminated in paralysis or rather hemiplegia there being a loss of power of the right side of the body, by which he is disqualified for the active duties of a soldier, his complaint is to be attributed to climate and exposure on service.’ Upon the regiment’s return to India he was consequently recommended for discharge by a Regimental Board meeting at Kussowlie. He was sent back to England on 30 September 1843 and was formally discharged at Chatham on 30 August 1844. McCoy was still alive in 1861 as there is a note in his discharge papers to the effect that he received an increase in his pension on 23 April 1861.

Sold with copied attestation and discharge papers, and a roll of officers, N.C.Os. and men of the 13th L.I. at Jellalabad.