Indian Mutiny 1857-58 Medal. 1/5th Foot.

Indian Mutiny 1857-58 Medal. W. Reeve. 1st/ 5th foot. Medal is in Extremely Good Condition, on ribbon.

Medal Roll states returned Medal " DEAD" 

1st BATTALION / 5th FOOT ( NORTHUMBERLAND  FUSILIERS) 

Known as the "  FIGHTING 5TH " played a significant part in the suppression ot the Indian Mutiny in 1857-1858. Specifically during the RELIEF OF LUCKNOW in HENRY HAVELOCK'S RELIEF FORCE. Where the Battalion marched with General Outram to Cowpore, and charged at CHAR BAGH on 25th September 1857. The Battalion was part of Neil's Brigade in the attack and performed outstandingly suffering the vast bulk of its casualties here.

Later joined the LUCKNOW RESIDENCY GARRISON and was part of the force that successfully escorted the Lucknow Residency Garrison to COWPORE.

They were among the reinforcements sent to India from Mauritius after being diverted from a planned deployment in China, and arrived in Calcutta in July and August 1857. They quickly moved up to ALLAHABAD, then later served in the Relief Force that managed to break through to the besieged Lucknow Residency in September 1857.

The 1st / 5th suffered heavily losing 5 Officers KILLED IN ACTION. And over 60 Killed, with many more wounded. Over 39 out of its total 62 Fatal casualties were at Lucknow, the most ever in any Battalions in that period (1857-59) Battles.

VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS

During the first Relief Of Lucknow the Battalion won its first VC in its history, when Sergeant Robert Ewart was awarded one for an act of bravery at ALAM BAGH.

The Battalion's second Victoria Cross was awarded to Private Peter M. Manus on 26nd September 1857 for another act of bravery at ALAM BAGH.

A third VC was awarded to Private Patrick M' Hale for two acts of bravery, during the evacuation of the LUCKNOW RESIDENCY in November 1857, and in defence of C0WPORE in December 1857.

The Battalion's record was outstanding and crucial to the success in the actions such as ARRAH in the Indian Mutiny.