India Medal 1895-1902. Dorset Regiment.

India Medal 1895-1902. Clasps: Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-1898. 3264. Pte.C. Hunt. 1st Bn Dorset Regiment. Medal is in Very Good Condition. Full Service History confirms entitlement.

Charles James Hunt, (also known as Charles Robert) was born on 23rd July 1876 at 13 Cove Street, WEYMOUTH, DORSET. The son of James & Louisa Hunt, James was employed as a Brewers Assistant.

Charles enlisted in Dorchester on 4th September 1891 with, The Colours, at the age of 12 years, and given the Number 3264 BOY. C. Hunt. Dorset Regiment.

By 27th September 1893 he was posted to India during which time he was promoted to Private on his 18th Birthday. On 30th July 1896 Charles was appointed as BANDSMAN.

He took part in the TIRAH EXPEDITION of 1897/98, having served 9 years and 180 days in India. Charles returned to England and after completing 12 years and 130 days with The Colours  and he took his discharge on 11th January 1904.

Two months after discharge Charles enlisted into the 3rd Bn DORSET MILITIA for 4 years under the Number 4783. Pte. C. Hunt, his Trade was Musician, Single living in TRINITY STREET, WEYMOUTH  and by May 1906 had been promoted to Sergeant.

On the 12th December 1906 Charles decided to enlist in the ROYAL NAVY. 365473. DOM 3. C. Hunt. Serving on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS from 1906-June 1908. During this period he got married to Bessie Ada Chard, born 6/2/1881 in Weymouth. Charles was promoted to Officers Cook 1st Class.

In the 1911 Census Charles was serving on the Battleship HMS DOMINION which was anchored up in Ireland. Bessie was living in the family home at 58 NEWSTEAD ROAD, WEYMOUTH and worked as a Laundress, 40 years old. They unfortunately lost there only son Victor the following year in 1912 aged 3 Years old. Charles was discharged from the Navy on 14th June 1914, having served over 6 years.

The 1939 Register shows Charles & Bessie living at 3 ABBOTSBURY ROAD, WEYMOUTH. Charles was then employed as a Chef. Bessie passed away in October 1942 aged 71, Charles was to live another 12 years and passed away aged 78 and was buried in Melcombe Regis Cemetery, 5th March 1954.

After all this service for his country Charles Hunt received "The IndIa Medal" with two Clasp. This was to be his only Medal entitlement. An extremely well researched medal to a WEYMOUTH man, with a lot of paperwork included.