Orders, Decorations and Medals

South Devon Militia Medal 1799, struck in silver, 32mm, obverse with the arms of Waterford, reverse centre trophy of arms, around ‘To The South Devon Militia in Testimony of Merit 1799’, with integral loop and silver straight bar suspension, some minor edge bruising and contact wear, otherwise very fine and scarce £200-250

See Colour Plate III

The South Devon Militia were stationed in Waterford, Ireland from 1798-1799. It was largely due to their presence that the rising of 1798 was contained so effectively within the city, unlike other areas which suffered greatly in the unrest. As a result of their good service it was resolved unanimously that the Freedom of the City be presented to the Colonel of the regiment, and that certain selected members of the regiment be awarded a specially struck silver medal. It is not known exactly how many medals were struck in total, but less than 10 examples are known to have survived today. Sold with further research detail.