Description
India General Service Medal 1895, bar Relief of Chitral 1895, 3746 Private James Croft, East Kent Regiment. Served 18 years to pension.
Officially engraved: “3746 Pte J. Croft. East Kent Regt”
Confirmed on medal roll and papers.
With copy service records.
Very crisp toned unworn condition, slight slackness to suspension (due to usual production of these medals).
Saw the following service:
Home, 10th July 1879 – 3rd Dec 1879
Straits Settlements, 4th Dec 1879 – 6th Feb 1882 (Singapore region)
China, 7th February 1882 – 29th October 1885
Egypt, 30th October 1885 – 28th April 1886
Home, 29th April 1886 – 21st Feb 1887
India, 22nd February 1887 – 1st April 1895
Chitral, 2nd April 1895 – 10th September 1895
India, 11th Sept 1895 – 1st Jan 1897
Home, 2nd January 1897 – 18th November 1897.
Next of Kin, mother Mary A*, in Salford
James Croft was a Manchester Man, born in Eccles, Manchester, Lancaster circa
Aged 22 he signed up with the Infantry joining the East Kents on 10th july 1879 in Ashton Under Lyne.
He previously service with the Militia, the 6th Royal Lancs Militia being released to sign on for full time service.
He remained a Private throughout his career, finishing off a full 18 years, with only one small blemish, being given 7 days in prison for sleeping at his post as a young soldier.
He was discharged at Kilkenny on 18th october 1897, aged 40.
“At his own request after 18 years of service with a view to pension under the existing Royal Warrant for pay.”
Conduct: Very Good
Special Qualifications for Civil Life: Trustworthy
He was due to return home to Salford, Manchester after many years overseas.
As this medal was awarded right at the end of his career, he never appears to have worn it much.
