The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Private M. Finn, 61st Regiment of Foot, who was killed in action during the assault on Delhi, 16 September 1857

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Delhi (M, Finn. 61st. Regt.) minor edge bruising, very fine and better £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Indian Mutiny Medals, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Provenance: Buckland Dix & Wood, October 1995.

Michael Finn was born in Konimara and attested for the 61st (South Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot on 19 February 1845. He served with them in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny, and was killed in action at the siege of Delhi on 16 September 1857. The 61st Regiment Muster Roll ending 31 July 1857 shows ‘en route to join...’; the Muster Roll ending 31 August shows ‘Duty’; and final Muster Roll for 30 September 1857 shows ‘Killed 16th....’

The assault on Delhi commenced on 14 September 1857, and five columns of troops plus detachments and cavalry were deployed. The 250 men of the 61st Regiment were in the fifth column of 1,000 men under the command of Brigadier Longfield. They were held in reserve in order cover Nicholson’s 1st column which was tasked to storm the Kashmir Gate. In addition to the men of the 61st Foot there were men from the 4th Punjab infantry, the Baluch Battalion and 300 men of the Jhind Contingent. After being held in reserve for two days the 61st went into action on 16 September 1857 fighting their way in and taking the main magazine and beating off a rebel counter attack. Finn was one of three men from the Regiment killed that day.

Sold with copied research.