Description
India General Service, 1895, VR, 3 bars, Relief of Chitral, Tirah, Punjab Frontier, 4533 Private Peter Murphy, Gordon Highlanders, all clasps confirmed, with papers.
Officially engraved in running script: “4533 Pte P. Murphy 1st Bn Gord Highrs.”
Confirmed on the medal rolls, which notes he was originally issued the medal with only Relief of Chitral Clasp, which was assumed to be the only clasp at the time (thus lacked top lugs to attach further earned clasps), to later earn the extra 2 clasps, which have been neatly added via rings to the bottom clasp.
This is very similar to other medals we have sold.
With medal roll, copy service papers etc.
Notably during his service whilst earning the “Tirah 1897-98” clasp the 1st Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, who Peter was serving with took part in the famous Storming of Dargai Heights, where the Kilted Highlanders took many casualties in their brave charge on the enemy positions, leading to multiple Victoria Crosses especially those earned by the brave Pipers of the regiment who even though wounded continued to play their bagpipes to keep the men inspired.
Following his much campaigning in India, he went on to fight in the early stage of the Boer War, he took part in the “Relief of Ladysmith” campaign as part of the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders.
For this service he earned the QSA, bar Relief of Ladysmith, but was then invalided home and medically discharged.
Peter Murphy was born in the Parish of St Michaels, Gateshead, Durham circa 1874.
He was an 18 year old Miner when he signed up with the Gordon Highlanders on 2nd September 1892.
Peter saw the following postings:
“Home, 2nd Sept 1892 – 23rd May 1894
India, 24th May 1894 – 21st November 1899
South Africa, 22nd November 1899 – 8th April 1900
Home, 9th April 1900 – 21st August 1900.”
Discharged before the end of his 12 years, after 7 years 354 days being founded no longer fit having been sent home from the Boer War.
On 21st August 1900 he was discharged at Netley his conduct was said to be “Very Good” but he was “Discharge in consequence his having been found medically unfit for further service.”
His mother was Agnes Murphy, 24 Askew Road, Teams (Gateshead).
