THE INDIAN MUTINY MEDAL. 1857–1858.

This medal, which is by L. C. Wyon, Esq., was granted by a General Order, dated August 18th., 1858. The obverse has the Queen’s head, diademed, with the superscription “Victoria Regina,” and on the reverse Britannia is represented in an erect position, instead of being seated. In her right hand, outstretched, is a laurel wreath. An oval shield with the crosses of the Union is on the left arm, and in the hand are other wreaths. The British Lion forms an appropriate background, above is the word “India,” and in the exergue the date 1857–1858. The ribbon is French-white, with two red stripes. It was granted to all engaged in operations against the rebels or mutineers, and was also conferred on non-military persons who had borne arms as volunteers against them. There are five bars attached, respectively inscribed “Delhi,” “Defence of Lucknow,” “Relief of Lucknow,” “Lucknow,” and “Central India.” The first clasp was granted to the troops employed in the operations against, and at the assault of, Delhi; that for the “Defence of Lucknow” was conferred on all of the original garrison, under Major-General Inglis, and to those who succoured them, and continued the defence under Major-Generals Sir Henry Havelock and Sir James Outram, until relieved by Lord Clyde; “Relief of Lucknow” was given to the troops engaged in the operations against that place, under the immediate command of Lord Clyde, in November, 1857; and the clasp of “Lucknow” was awarded to the force engaged under his lordship’s immediate command in March, 1858, in the final capture of the town, and in all operations connected therewith; “Central India” was granted to the column under Major-General Sir Hugh Rose, G.C.B., engaged in the operations against Jhansi, Calpee, and Gwalior, and also to the troops, which, under the command of Major-Generals Roberts and Whitlock respectively, performed such important service in Central India. Four was the greatest number of bars issued with any one medal, and the medal was given to the Naval Brigade, without a bar, and with bars, for “Relief of Lucknow,” and “Lucknow.”

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