Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Sergeant R. Marston, 32nd Foot, late 39th Foot

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, North West Frontier (2919 R. Marston, 32nd Foot); Army L.S. & G.C, V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2919 Serjt. R. Marston, 32nd Regt.) minor edge bruising, very fine (4) £300-£400

Richard Marston was born in Church Stretton, Shropshire, and originally enlisted in the 39th Regiment in August 1840, aged 18 years. Having witnessed active service with the Army of Gwalior at Maharajpoor in the same regiment, he transferred to the 32nd Regiment in in November 1846, and was next actively engaged in the Punjab 1848-49, when he was present at Mooltan and Goojerat. Although entitled to the relevant Medals and clasps for these actions, his discharge papers make no reference to his subsequent award of the India General Service Medal 1854-95 with ‘North West Frontier’ clasp, and it may well be he was attached to another unit, possibly a Telegraph Battalion.

Advanced to Corporal in November 1857 and to Sergeant in August 1859, he was finally discharged at Chatham in October 1861, shortly after being recommended for his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He appears then to have joined the Permanent Staff of the 3rd West Yorkshire Militia.