Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (248 Pte. J. Taylor, 2/D. of C.L.I.) some edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine £100-140

James Taylor was born in Balstonborough, near Glastonbury, Somerset. A Labourer by occupation and a former member of the 2nd Somerset Militia, he attested for the 35th Brigade at Glastonbury on 9 November 1874, aged 24 years. Posted initially to the 46th Regiment, he was transferred to the 32nd in May 1875 before returning to the 46th in October 1877. He served in South Africa, May 1875-May 1877; Bermuda, October 1877-February 1880; Gibraltar, February 1880-July 1882 and Egypt, July-September 1882. He was discharged on 24 August 1883, being medically unfit for further service. His character was listed as being ‘Very Bad’ - with convictions for desertion, absence, theft and insubordination. With copied service papers and census extracts.