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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: jenup on Friday 20 August 10 16:45 BST (UK)

Title: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: jenup on Friday 20 August 10 16:45 BST (UK)
Hi,
 Can any Peninsular War Buffs help me out with a 'particulars of clasps' translation please?!

My Chelsea Pensioner was given 2 clasps & it seems to say Mart, AU.

I'm guessing partly Australia?

All help greatly appreciated!  ;D

Thank you
Title: Re: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: gortonboy on Friday 20 August 10 17:24 BST (UK)
The Peninsular War saw the first use of medal bars. Also known as "devices", these are clasps affixed to the ribbons from which medals are suspended. The Peninsular Medal, more properly known as the Army Gold Medal, was issued to senior officers in Wellington's army. Clasps were added, each giving the name of a major battle in which the holder participated. When four clasps were earned a Peninsular Cross was awarded. Each arm was inscribed with one of the battles named on an earned clasp. Subsequent clasps were then added to the ribbon. Wellington's Peninsular Cross, featuring a unique nine clasps (thirteen battles), can be seen on his uniform in the basement of Apsley House. In 1847 the surviving lower ranked officers and enlisted men received the Military General Service Medal, with battle clasps, for service in this conflict.
Title: Re: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: gortonboy on Friday 20 August 10 17:28 BST (UK)
hi,,can u post your chelsea pensioners details...name w,,when and where born?
Title: Re: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: km1971 on Friday 20 August 10 17:30 BST (UK)
Mart is Martinique captured from the French on 24 February 1809. The only A is Albuhera (16 May 1811) usually abbreviated to Alb. Which regiment did he serve in?

Ken
Title: Re: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: jenup on Friday 20 August 10 17:42 BST (UK)
Hi guys,

thank you for your swift replies.

He is; William Luff b.1787, served in 1st Royal Veteran Battalion; 5th Royal Veteran Battalion; 23rd Foot Regiment.

It is for the 23rd Foot I have found the medal record - I'm sure it reads 2, mart, au

thanks alot all, I'll have a look at the Martinique ref, thank you

jen

Title: Re: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: jenup on Friday 20 August 10 17:42 BST (UK)
sry, forgot to add he was born in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
Title: Re: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: jenup on Friday 20 August 10 18:13 BST (UK)
Taking a look at the original image I think you are right Ken, it is a bit squiggley but Au, is probably Alb - thank you all for your help!
Title: Re: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: km1971 on Saturday 21 August 10 16:09 BST (UK)
Hi Jen

The Military General Service medal roll confirms the Mart and Alb clasps for him while serving in the 23rd Regiment. Only men alive in June 1847 received a medal - hence the image of Victoria - http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/britishguide/militarygeneralservice1793_1814.htm

Ken
Title: Re: Peninsular War Clasps
Post by: jenup on Saturday 21 August 10 22:43 BST (UK)
Great info ken, thank you

Jenny