Description
Indian Mutiny Medal, no bar, Walter Bassford, 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot. Wounded in Action Battle of Goojerat, Sikh War of 1849.
Officially impressed: “W. Bassford, 29th Regt”
Punjab Casualty Roll records “Wounded at Chillianwala”
Provenance, ex Sothebys, 29th September 1994, Lot 675.
His lengthy character entry from his papers, recall his war services:
“His character and conduct have been very good. He is in possession of four good conduct badges.
He served with the earlier part of the campaign with the Army’s of the Sutledge in 1846, served in the Campaign with Army of the Punjaub in 1848-9 and was present at the passage of the Chenab, 3-4th December 1848 and at the Battles of Chilianwala, 13th January, and Goojerat, 21 Feb 1849, also served during the Indian Mutiny in 1858.
Awarded a Medal and 2 clasps for the Punjaub Campaign and a Medal for the Indian Mutiny.
Also awarded Medal and a Gratuity of £5 for Good Conduct and Long Service, Authority dated Horse Guards 11 June 1863.”
It appears his service in the Sutlej Campaign excluded him from a medal, as it does not note participation in the battles that earned the medal.
Walter Bassford or Basford, was born in Hinckley, Leicestershire, circa 1825.
Joined the 29th Foot on 17th November 1843.
Served a full 21 years 14 days, spending 14 years 11 months overseas in the East Indies.
Discharged on 29th December 1864.
Following his discharge he settled in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northumberland, where he had married Eliza Wood during 1862.
Having married a Scottish Woman, Eliza Bamford (Born 1829).
He was shown there on the 1891 Census, “Labourer in Grease Man”.
