CAPTAIN (LATER MAJOR) N. VICARY, 2ND BENGAL EUROPEAN REGIMENT, THE POST 1880 2ND BATTALION ROYAL MUNSTER FUSILIERS (LATE 4TH BENGAL NATIVE INFANTRY). Punjab Campaign Medal 1848-1849, 2 clasps, Goojerat, Chilianwala

CAPTAIN (LATER MAJOR) N. VICARY, 2ND BENGAL EUROPEAN REGIMENT, THE POST 1880 2ND BATTALION ROYAL MUNSTER FUSILIERS (LATE 4TH BENGAL NATIVE INFANTRY). Punjab Campaign Medal 1848-1849, 2 clasps, Goojerat, Chilianwala (officially named, impressed in serifed block capitals: CAPT. N. VICARY, 2nd. EUR. REGt.). Attractively toned, almost Extremely Fine.

Medal accompanied by biographical and service details from Major Hodson’s “List of Officers of the Bengal Army 1758-1834” and copy medal roll, confirming medal and clasps.

Nathanial Vicary (1805-1863), born 1805, was the son of Benjamin Vicary, a Wexford, a solicitor. Baptised in St Peter’s Church, Dublin, 29th July 1805, Vicary was accepted as a Cadet by the East India Company in 1824, arriving in India on 23rd July 1825. Commissioned Ensign 20th March 1825, he was promoted Lieutenant 25th June 1826, Captain 24th January 1845, retired 15th November 1849, and was subsequently promoted Honorary Major 28th November 1854.

Vicary was first posted for service with the 4th Native Bengal Infantry in 1825, but was granted sick leave in the mid 1830s, transferring to New South Wales, Australia, 17th March 1836 to 7th May 1838, to recover. On returning to India Vicary transferred to the newly raised 2nd Bengal European Regiment, 8th October 1839 and was Executive Officer of the Allahabad Goorhshaiganj Division of the Grand Trunk Road from 18th December 1841 to 6th May 1842. Vicary saw active service during the 2nd Sikh War, taking part in the action at Ramnagar, the Passage of the Chenab, and the battles of Chilianwana and Goojerat as a Captain with the 2nd Bengal European Regiment (awarded Punjab Medal with 2 clasps).

Major Vicary’s wife, Ann, died at Ghazipur on 18th July 1838, aged 38. Major Vicary died on 13th September 1863.