Description
Army of India, Ava, Private Will Whitton, 41st (Welch) Foot, former 34th Foot with many years experience in India, fought in the 1824-6 Burmese War to earn this medal.
Officially impressed: “W. Whitton. 41st Foot.”
With copy service papers. Confirmed on the medal roll.
Provenance, Ex Dixons £1450 at some time.
The medal roll notes that he served in the campaign in the company of Captain George Seymour Crole, who was the illegitimate son of King George IV.
Will Whitton first joined the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot in 1809, he went out with the 1st Battalion to the “East Indies” during 1811 and spent the next 16 years in the region.
During the years before joining the 41st Foot, the 34th saw much campaigning against ailing Maratha Empire during the final Maratha Wars and gained renown in the Third Maratha War 1817-19 which finally put an end to the over a Century long run of the Maratha Confederacy when they took part in various battles which did not entitle them to any clasps to this medal.
Once that was over the 34th were finally due home, having been in India since 1802, men who were still happy to serve in India joined other units, Will electing to remain there with the 41st Foot aka the Welch/Welsh Regiment in 1822.
He would then see active service in the Anglo-Burmese War of 1824-6 seeing hard campaigning through the jungles and much fighting.
Life and Service
Will Whitton was born circa 1790 in the Parish of Stepnell, in Derby, Derbyshire.
He attested for service first in the 34th Foot on 17th February 1809 serving until 16th May 1822 with the regiment.
Following the end of the 34th Foot’s 20 years in India, he re-enlisted for further “unlimited service” as Madras in the East Indies on 17th May 1822 with the 41st (Welch) Regiment of Foot.
He served until 6th June 1827.
His total service in “The East Indies” was between 11th July 1811 and 5th may 1827, amounting to almost 16 years.
He was invalided out of the Army on 5th May 1827 from “Chronic Diarrhoea” having seen much campaigning in India and Burma over a long career.
he was found “not likely to be effective” and discharged, his conduct was said to have been “Good”.
