Orders, Decorations and Medals

Military General Service 1793-1814, 8 clasps, Busaco, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, St. Sebastian, Nivelle, Nive, Toulouse (James Butler, Corporal, 53rd Foot) polished, otherwise very fine £1600-1800

Medal rolls show last seven clasps only.

James Butler was born in the Parish of St Anns, Cork, and enlisted into the 53rd Foot on 12 January 1810, his profession being that of a schoolmaster. He served ‘Four years in the Peninsula. One Year and Ninety two days at Saint Helena. Wounded in the Right Shoulder at Nivelle. Was present at the Battles of Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle and Toulouse. The remainder at Home.’ He served with the 53rd on guard duty at St Helena, during the early period of Napoleon’s captivity on the island, from 25 October 1815 until 24 January 1817, when he seems to have been discharged from the regiment. He re-enlisted for the 86th Foot at Limerick on 22 February 1820, transferred to the 41st Foot in March 1825, and was promoted to Corporal in his old regiment, the 53rd, on 25 September 1825. Several promotions and demotions in rank followed, up to Sergeant and down to Private, until he was finally discharged in the rank of Corporal on 13 January 1835. Sold with copy discharge papers.