British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Military General Service 1793-1814, 3 clasps, Fuentes D’Onor, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz (J. McCormick, Ensn. 94th Foot) extremely fine
£2500-3000

James McCormick was appointed an Ensign in the 94th Foot on 25 May 1809, aged 22 years. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 17 March 1814, and placed on Half Pay on 24 December 1818, upon the disbandment of the 94th Foot. In his statement of service in 1829 he states that ‘During the last five years, have resided in Kelso and neighbourhood for three years & a half, nine months in Londonderry, and the remainder of the time in Edinburgh, Stirling and Alloa.’

McCormick served in the Peninsula from February 1810 to April 1814 and saw service at Cadiz, Redhina, Casal Nova, Foz d’Aronce, Sabugal, El Boden, Fuentes d’Onor, 2nd siege of Badajoz, Ciudad Rodrigo, and the successful siege and storming of Badajoz.

On 3rd/4th May 1811, the 94th’s light company was engaged at Fuentes d’Onor, the remainder of the battalion occupying a position on the ridge behind the village. The 94th next saw action at the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo on 19 January 1812, when they stormed the great breach with a loss of 69 casualties. A further 65 men were lost by the 94th on 6 April at the storming of Badajoz.

James McCormick went on half-pay on 25 December 1818, and died in Edinburgh on 21 March 1858.