Genealogy Chat

Please, can anyone tell me what information would be on a medal card from around 1860. This guy got the Victoria Cross.

Also, is it likely that there would be records at Kew?

Thanks.

Have a look at London Gazette, also at Documentsonline - all VC winners are listed. Probably info on him too, if you Google

I have some info on him from google, because his medal is held at Derby museum, they even had a photo of him. I was trying to pin down where he was born in Scotland and anything that I could about his wife as so far I only have an initial for him.

On WDYTYA they seem to be able to work miracles with the records for armed forces personnel who've been to India and since he won his VC for his actions there I wondered what would likely survive at the records place.

National Archives have the medal card for him online, but it's £3.50 and it's for a friend, I don't know if the info on the medal card would be knew or of any use.

I've never researched anyone in the army before mine were mostly ag labs lol

Summer

http://www.1914-1918.net/mics.htm

This explains what is likely to be on a medal card and then you can then decide whether you think it is worth buying.

Chris

Just realised you are talking 1800s

Ignore my site suggestion...That is for 1ww medal cards

Chris

It would be much better to get his service records, if they survive. The medal record probably won't tell you a great deal. Service records aren't online- you'd need to go to Kew or get a researcher to go for you. I can recommend someone if you want to pm me.

Yeah, I was wondering if the medal card would be of use, I know that the WW1 ones are helpful with their number on it. Wasn't sure if it would help for kew searches or if Kew would even have something for him.

Edit...

having browsed around, it's not actually a medal card it would seem but the original warrant as signed by Queen Victoria for the medal.

Kew would only have his service record if he was discharged to pension, but I would imagine that in view of his distinguished service, he probably did get a pension!

Thanks Jolly.

Ann, I dunno if he actually got a pension. He received the VC in 1858 in the Indian Mutiny. And then soon after returning to the UK left the 9th Lancers to become a Yoemen of the Guard (Beefeater). He died in 1877.

I've caved and paid for it, it's for a friend so I don't mind. Just wish I had someone that interesting in my own tree lol.

Thanks.

What was his name? So was he in 9th lancers when he won the VC? I'll have a look next time I go to Kew.

YAY it gave me his date of death... written in the margin :D Unfortunately, that's the only thing it gave me that I didn't already know. Oh well. :)

That would be fantastic Ann, thank you.

His name was David Spence b.c1818.

Rank: Troop Serjeant Major
Regiment: 9th Lancers
Date of Act Of Bravery: 17 January 1858
Campaign: India
Locale: Shumsabad

There is a webpage with some more info about him on. http://www.derby.gov.uk/LeisureCulture/MuseumsGalleries/MilitarytreasureTheVictoriaCross.htm?modechange=y

Annnnnnnd I'm a numpty...didn't realise that website had his date of death on it too *sighs* so £3.50 to get nothing new. At least my friend can print it out and add it to her files.

Happy to look for his records - probably in next couple of weeks.

Thanks I'm sure she would appreciate it a lot as would I. I've become slightly intrigued by this guy.