Description
South Africa 1853, Private Thomas Fox, 90th Regiment of Foot, who served in the war of 1846-7 and later in Crimea.
Officially impressed naming: “T. Fox. 90th Regt.”
Remains of brooch marking to obverse of medal.
According to his service papers, Thomas Fox was born in Modbury, Devon circa 1821, but upon his discharge 3 years were added to his age and he was in fact born around 1818.
He first attested for service with the 90th Regiment, claiming his bounty of £3 at the age of 18 on 12th February 1839.
He would go on to serve for 15 years 118 days with the regiment, before joining the 21st Regiment, Royal Scots Fusiliers on 1st January 1854. He then spent 7 months fighting in Crimea at Sebastopol, before he fell ill with fever in the camp, being invalided home and discharged on 3rd September 1855.
During his time with the 90th Foot he served for 5 years in Ceylon, followed by 3 years in the Cape of Good Hope, when he fought in the Seventh Xhosa War of 1846-47.
Following his discharge he appears to have returned home to Modbury, Devon and died shortly afterwards on 5th December 1860.
His death notice in the Western Morning News, 10th December 1860:
“BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS
Fox – At Modbury, on the 5th Inst, Mr Thomas Fox, carrier, aged 43.”
Presumably his wife Betsy Fox, had the medal brooch mounted to wear in his remembrance.
