Three: Quarter-Master-Sergeant John Massey, 14th Foot

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Corunna (John Massey, 14th Foot.); Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Bhurtpoor (J. Massey, 14th Foot.) short hyphen reverse, officially impressed naming; Army L.S. & G.C., W.IV.R. (J. Massey, Q. Master Serj. 14th Regiment Foot. 1832) fitted with original steel clip and rectangular bar suspension, some very light contact marks, otherwise good very fine and better (3) £3,000-£4,000

Debenham’s, July 1900; Glendining’s, December 1901; Dalrymple-White Collection, Glendining’s, July 1946; Elson Collection, Glendining’s, February 1963.

John Massey was born in the Parish of Hymstead, Essex, and attested for the 14th Foot at Colchester on 7 December 1805, aged 14 years. He served as an under-age Private until 6 December 1809, and after the age of 18 until 10 October 1812, when he was promoted to Corporal. He was promoted to Sergeant on 25 February 1815, appointed Colour-Sergeant on 15 May 1815, and promoted to Quarter-Master-Sergeant on 9 December 1831, in which rank he served until his final discharge on 13 June 1832.

He ‘Served Twelve Years & Eighty Eight days in the East Indies. Served in the North of Spain under Sir John Moore in the years 1808 & 1809, was at the Battle of Corunna, where the Regiment was particularly distinguished. In 1809 was at the Siege and Capture of Walcheren, and embarked a second time, to cover the re-embarkation of the Army. In 1810 served with the Flank Companies in Sicily. In 1814 served in the expedition to Genoa. In 1815 served in the expedition from Genoa that landed at Marseilles. Embarked for the East Indies in the year 1818. In 1825 and 1826 served in the expedition against the Fortress of Bhurtpore, and at the Storm & Capture of it.’

Massey’s L.S. & G.C. medal was delivered to W. Wright Esq., Portsmouth, on 24 September 1832, in which town Massey had stated his intention to reside and receive his pension.

Sold with copied discharge papers.