PAYMASTER SERGEANT W. J. KELSEY, 1ST BENGAL FUSILIERS (THE POST 1880 1ST BATTALION ROYAL MUNSTER FUSILIERS). Indian Mutiny Medal, 2 clasps, Delhi, Lucknow

PAYMASTER SERGEANT W. J. KELSEY, 1ST BENGAL FUSILIERS (THE POST 1880 1ST BATTALION ROYAL MUNSTER FUSILIERS). Indian Mutiny Medal, 2 clasps, Delhi, Lucknow, an officially renamed, late issue medal, engraved in serifed capitals in a style similar to that seen on other late issue medals with either original or re-engraved naming, issued during the early 1860’s (engraved in serifed block capitals: PAY SERGEANT. W.J. KELSEY, 1st. BENGAL FUSILIERS). Clasps listed in order fitted, as often seen on medals to this regiment (lugs removed from Lucknow clasp, hence fitted out of order), Good Very Fine.

414 medals with the clasps Delhi and Lucknow to the 1st Bengal Fusiliers.

Medal accompanied by brief biographical and service details from FIBIS, and confirmation for Indian Mutiny Medal with two clasps.

William Kelsey was born in London (Surrey), enlisted into the !st European Bengal Fusiliers at London on 20/2/1855, for a term of 10 years, giving his trade at the time of enlistment as printer. Kelsey embarked for India aboard the Sir Robert Seppings, arriving in India in 1855. While serving with the 1st Bengal Fusiliers Kelsey took part in the operations against Lucknow, 2nd – 16th March 1858, and the capture of Delhi.

When the East India Company’s European soldiers were given the option of retiring or transferring to the British Army in 1859, at the time of the transfer of the HEIC regiments to the British Army, Kelsey opted to transfer to the 101st Foot (the former 1st Bengal European Fusiliers and post 1880 1st Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers), transferring to the 191st Foot in 1861.

There is a 4 year old William Kelsey recorded in the 1841 census as being resident in the parish of St John, Horsleydown, Southwark, London, possibly the recipient of this medal.