Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (Wm. Fenner, 61st Foot) some contact marks, very fine £600-700

Ex D.N.W. 23 September 2005.

William Fenner was born in Cavan, Co. Cavan, and attested for the 81st Regiment at Cavan on 25 November 1842, aged 18 years. He transferred to the 61st Foot on 1 July 1844. He ‘served with the Army of the Punjab in the campaign of 1848-49, and was present at the passage of the Chenab, and in the battles of Chilianwala (wounded) and Goojerat; served with Major General Sir W. R. Gilbert’s Field Force in pursuit of the Enemy to the Khyber Pass in March 1849.’ According to his discharge papers he was ‘wounded at the battle of Chilianwallah in the left thigh by a matchlock ball.’ William Fenner was recommended for discharge at Wazeerabad on 17 October 1856, his conduct being noted as ‘very good and he is in possession of two distinguishing Badges with pay for Good Conduct although he was convicted by a District Court Martial, 5 August 1848, for desertion and losing his bayonet by neglect.’ He was finally discharged at Chatham, Kent, on 7 July 1857, giving his intended place of residence as America. With copied research.