Description
Punjab Medal, bar Goojerat, Second Anglo Sikh War 1849, Private Archibald Stephens, 61st (South Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot. Later became the Gloucestershire Regiment.
Officially impressed: “Archd Stephens, 61st Foot.”
Confirmed on the medal roll, entitled to the medal and clasp Goojerat.
Following the war, the regiment remained in India and Archibald was present with them in the Indian Mutiny, where he earned the Delhi Clasp to the medal for the Siege of Delhi campaign.
Typical wear consistent with long service, having served another 19 years after earning the medal.
With copy service papers.
Archibald Stephens or Stevens was born in the town of Shotts, in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, about halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh circa 1826.
He attested for service in Glasgow with the 61st Regiment of Foot on 9th January 1847 aged 21, with service number 2704.
By the time of his discharge in 1868 he had served a full career of 21 years and 75 days, of which 14 years and 6 months were spent on service overseas.
Of this he spent:
11 Years, 9 Months in the East Indies (India)
1 Year 2 Months in Mauritius
1 Year 7 Months in Canada and Bermuda.
He was discharged at his own request to enjoy his pension on 21st April 1868 in Bermuda.
His conduct was said to have been: “Very Good and he is in possession of 3 Good Conduct Badges. He is in possession of the Punjaub Medal and Clasp for Goojerat and the Mutiny Medal and Clasp for Delhi.”
He had a few entries in the Defaulters Book and had been Court Martialled once.
Whilst in India on 7th March 1856 he was tried by Court Martial and imprisoned until 1st April 1856.
With his discharge he chose to settle in Truro, Cornwall.
