Auction Catalogue

13 December 2007

Starting at 11:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 174

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13 December 2007

Hammer Price:
£800

Military General Service 1793-1814, 3 clasps, Talavera, Busaco, Albuhera (William Irwin, 7th Foot) clasps a little bent and carriage soldered at one side, otherwise nearly very fine £1000-1200

The 1/7th and 2/7th were highly distinguished at Albuhera where, with the 23rd Foot, they formed the Fusilier Brigade which stormed the heights, each battalion taking on a French column. For twenty minutes they faced each other, blasting away with musketry in an absolute storm of lead; until the French suddenly broke in the face of a fierce bayonet charge. The 1/7th suffered casualties of 50% and the 2/7th a massive 61%, while the brigade as a whole averaged almost 52%.

William Irwin (Jewin on Mullens roll) served with the 2/7th in the Peninsula.