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Punjab 24th Wounded Chilianwala

Punjab Medal, 1848-49, bar Chilianwala, Private William Ireland, 24th Regiment of Foot, Wounded in Action at the Battle of Chilianwala on 13th January 1849. Full service papers

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SKU: J7708 Category:
Origin: United Kingdom
Very Fine

Description

Punjab Medal, 1848-49, bar Chilianwala, Private William Ireland, 24th Regiment of Foot, Wounded in Action at the Battle of Chilianwala on 13th January 1849.

 

An old long serving Irish Veteran who retired to Cardiff and was said to have “Fought under Lord Gough, when the 24th Regiment was severely cut up, and was wounded in the left hip.” He had “distinguished himself on several occasions” and “Served on several flying columns”

 

Officially impressed as issued: “W. Ireland, 24th Foot.” Clear original naming, Contact marking and edge bruising consistent with long period of wearing as he is an LSGC recipient and lived another 40 years after this medal.

 

Very unusual to find such detailed biographical information of soldiers from this period.

 

South Wales Daily News, 20th May 1893:

 

“DEATH OF A VETERAN SOLDIER

 

The funeral of Wm Ireland, who died on Thursday morning, will take place today (Saturday) afternoon at 3 o’clock.

 

The deceased enlisted in the gallant 24th Regiment at Tullow, County Wicklow, in 1846, and three months after left for the East Indies to join his regiment in the Punjaub, where he fought under Lord Gough, when the 24th Regiment was severely cut up, and he was wounded in the left hip.

 

He served a number of years in the East Indies (Nearly all his time), and volunteered to the 46th Cornwall Light Infantry on coming home.

 

He served on several flying columns, and was in possession of a Good Conduct Medal, and was discharged in 1864.

 

Since then he has been employed by the Taff Vale Railway Company.
Friends desirous of attending the funeral are requested to meet at Woodville-Road.
Any Soldiers who served in India or in the Crimea are especially invited to be present.”

 

Private William Ireland fought in the Second Anglo Sikh War, in the region of “Punjab” in India, now forming part of Pakistan.

 

He is noted on the Punjab Casualty Roll and the original Medal Roll as having been wounded in action at Chillianwala and being entitled to the Chilianwala Clasp as well as the additional Goojerat Clasp which battle followed on 21st February 1849 known as the Battle of Gujrat.

 

Shown on the 1851 Worldwide Army Index as still serving with the 24th Foot, stationed in Wazirabad, Pakistan.

 

Shown on the 1891 Census as living at Woodville Road East, Roath, Cardiff, Wales.

 

70 Year old Railway Watchman born in Ireland. (same person but DOB incorrect)

 

During the Battle of Chillianwala, the 24th Foot arrived upon the enemy prematurely but, under instructions not to fire, they fixed bayonets and made a gallant charge against the deadly enemy artillery.

 

In this “gallant but foolhardy attack” the regiment would suffer 515 casualties including 238 men killed.

 

The National Army Museum holds an excellent colour lithograph from a drawing done by Lieut J H Archer, 96th Regiment of Foot, who was present at the action, of the 24th foot making their famous charge “through jungle and water”.

 

Reproduced in one of the photos as now out of copyright since published during 1849.

 

Life of William Ireland:

 

No 623 Private William Ireland, 46th Regiment of Foot, formerly 24th Regiment of Foot for many years.

 

Discharged at his own request having served 21 years 23 days, with 19 years 11 months spent on service in “The East Indies”.

 

“Discharged at his own request with pension, after 21 years of service.

 

“His conduct has been exemplary and he is in possession of Five Good Conduct Badges. He has received a medal for service in the Punjaub in the years 1848-9 and has received a Medal with Gratuity of 5 pounds, for Long Service and Good Conduct.

 

He has Never been tried by Court martial and has never been entered in the Regimental Defaulter’s Book.”

 

Wounds: “Received a Contusion (slight) at the Battle of Chilianwallah”.

 

William Ireland was born in the Parish of Kilcommon, Tinahely, Ireland circa 1829.

 

He enlisted underage at 17 1/2 at Tullow for the 24th Regiment of Foot on 11th February 1846.
He became of age on 11th August 1846 serving with the regiment until 21st January 1861, 14 years 174 days.

 

On 1st February 1861 he volunteered for the 46th Regiment.

 

Served another 6 years 214 days until his discharge on 2nd September 1867.

 

He was discharged to long service pension at Pembroke Dock, where he chose to reside and settled in Wales.

 

The Western Mail 19th May 1893:

 

“SUDDEN DEATH AT CARDIFF

 

On Thursday, the death was reported of William Ireland, aged 65 years, at 157, Woodville Road, where he lodged.
The deceased had been in a weak state of health for some time, but had not been medically attended.
He retired to bed at 9 on Wednesday night and on Thursday, when called, was found to be very ill.
Deceased got out of bed at noon and began to dress himself when he fell back on the bed and expired.
Dr Morris, Crwys-Road, was in attendance after the death.”

 

Western Mail, 20th May 1893:

 

DEATH OF AN OLD SOLDIER AT CARDIFF

 

The Funeral of William Ireland, who died on Thursday….
The deceased joined the 24th Regiment in 1846, and served for 21 years in India, where he on several occasions distinguished himself.
He returned home in 1867, and from that time up to the day of his death was employed by the Taff Vale Railway Company at Cardiff.
Soldiers are requested to accept this invitation to pay a last tribute to the memory of a gallant comrade in arms.”