Cabul 1842 (Serjt. Neil Gillespie. 31st Regt.) fitted with original steel clip and bar suspension, small pawnbroker mark near suspension clip, otherwise good very fine £400-£500

Neil Gillespie was born at Ballymoney, near Belfast, County Antrim, and attested for the 31st Foot at Belfast on 22 March 1822, aged 18, a labourer by trade. He was promoted to Corporal on 19 July 1836, and to Sergeant on 19 December 1838. He served in the campaign of 1842 in Afghanistan and was present at Mazeena and Tezeen. Found to be ‘worn out’ and unfit for further service, he was recommended for discharge at Amballa on 18 September 1843, having served 18 years in the East Indies. He was finally discharged at Chatham on 15 August 1844, with total service amounting to 22 years 150 days. Sold with copied discharge papers.