Description
Storming of Ghuznee Medal, 23rd July 1839, Private Patrick Caulton, 13th Foot, Prince Alfred’s Own Light Infantry, Veteran of 1824-6 Burmese War, Ghuznee, Afghan and “Jellalabad Hero”, remarkable services over 2 decades.
Naming regimentally impressed to the rim, in the typical recognised style of the regiment seen on the trio of the Ghuznee, Cabul & Jellalabad medals reading: “Corpl P. Caulton XIII P.A.L.I.”
Confirmed on papers.
This exact style of naming is also illustrated in “British Battles and Medals” on the page for the Ghuznee Medal, the medal which they photograph is of “John Fitch 13th PALI”, whose identically named missing Jellalabad medal was uncovered and sold by us in 2020.
In brief here are his remarkable services as written in his service papers:
“Served Abroad in the East Indies from 17th May 1823 to 20th March 1845.
In the Burmese Empire during the Campaigns in the years 1824, 1825 & 1826.
With the Army of the Indus in the Affghanistan Campaigns in the years of 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842.
He was present at the Storming of Ghuznee in July 1839 and the Forts of Tootim, Dumah and Gulgah in the Kohistan in 1840.
Present at the several engagements in Forcing the passes from Cabool to Jellalabad in 1841 and in defence of the latter Fortress in 1841 and 1842.
Present at the General engagement at Jelllalabad on 7th April 1842, at Jugdulluck on 8th September 1842, Tazeen on 13th September and the recapture of Cabool on 15th September 1842.”
Distinguished Himself: “In possession of 3 Medals viz for the Storming of Ghuznee, General Action at Jellalabad and Recapture of Cabool”.
Aka he is entitled to this Ghuzee Medal, the Jellalabad Medal (Mural Crown Type) and the First Afghanistan Medal, reverse Cabul.
He was later retroactively awarded circa 1848 with the Army of India Medal, bar Ava, for his campaigning against the Burmese Empire in 1824-6.
According to this medal roll, he served in the war in No 7 Company under command of Captain Squire.
This appears to be the later Lt Col Tristram Charnley Squire, who saw similar service as Caulton through Ava into Afghanistan.
Very rare example of complete services in the 4 major campaigns fought over 20 years by the 13th PALI, and having seen action at all of their major events and battles.
No 270 Patrick Caulton sometimes Coulton was an Irishman, born in the Parish of Kilmadnan (We believe that this old Parish is actually named Kilmanman) in Queen’s County (aka County Laois, Leinster), Ireland circa 1803.
Before enlistment he saw a typical trade in the region of being a “Linen Weaver”.
Patrick signed on for service with the 13th Foot at Dublin, on 29th November 1822, at which time he was 19 years old, claiming an appetising £3 Bounty.
He would go on to see a full length career, lasting 22 years and 321 days, of which 21 years and 10 months were spent posted overseas.
At this time, the men signed on for unlimited service until they could serve no more, which is what he did, his detailed papers contain both his original “inlistment” signed agreement and discharge papers.
By the end of his service having spent 2 decades fighting he was discharged as “Being unfit for further service”, his conduct was signed off at “They have been Very Good”.
The years of war had taken its toll the surgeon writing:
“Infirm from age and service, health and strength impaired from repeated attacks of Fever in the continued and intermittent form which he was much subject during the exposure and fatigue consequent on the Afghanistan Campaign, also suffered from the Scinde Fever, impaired vigour and los of strength consequent on those attacks render him unfit for the duties of a Soldier. His complaints are attributable to climate and service and have not been caused by vice or intemperence, his conduct in hospital has been good.”
Patrick had been promoted multiple times but then demoted, seeing the following:
“Private, 28th November 1822 – 29th May 1827
Promoted Corporal, 21st May 1827 – 24th May 1828
Reduced Private, 25th May 1828 – 28th February 1839
Promoted Corporal, 1st March 1839 – 27th May 1842
Reduced Private, 28th May 1843 – 24th October 1845”
Notably throughout the entirety of his service in Afghanistan he was a Corporal.
Following his retirement, he is later shown on the 1861 Census, a 57 year old Irish lodger “Patrick Caulton” is shown living in Oldbury, Worcestershire.
