Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Peninsula War medal awarded to Private James Cottam, 43rd Foot, a Volunteer in the Storming Party at both Ciudad Rodrigo and at Badajoz, who was severely wounded at the latter action, 6 April 1812

Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Salamanca, Vittoria (James Cottam, 43rd Foot. 43rd Foot. (sic)) nearly very fine £1800-2200

James Cottam was born in the Parish of Clithero, Lancaster, and enlisted for the 43rd Foot at Winchester on 25 April 1805. He served during operations in the Peninsula, and ‘was in the storming party at the assault of Ciudad Rodrigo, 19 January 1812, and at Badajoz on 6 April 1812, where he was severely wounded’ (WO 118/13 refers). He was discharged to Kilmainham pension on 24 December 1820, after 15 years and 244 days’ service, in consequence of ‘Rupture (recd. a severe wound in left thigh at Badajos on 6th Apl. 1812).’ His conduct was reported as being ‘Extremely Good. Served with the Regiment at the taking of Copenhagen in 1807 and in General Moore’s retreat in 1808. Was present in all the Sieges and Actions in which the Regiment was engaged in the Peninsula under the Duke of Wellington from the battle of the Coa, 24 July 1810, to the end of the War in the South of France. Volunteered and was one of the Stormers at Rodrigo, 19 January 1812. Was wounded thro’ left thigh at Badajoz, 6 April 1812. And was present at the Capitulation of Paris in 1815 - and is very strongly recommended for Pension.’

Despite clearly being entitled to as many as 11 clasps, James Cottam claimed for just two - Salamanca and Vittoria. He returned to Lancashire and settled in Burnley, where he was employed as a weaver. He died there on 2 October 1861, aged 80. Sold with copied discharge papers and comprehensive research.