A rare casualty India General Service Medal 1854-1895, 1 Clasp: Burma 1885-7, awarded to Private Charles Smith, 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, who was present during the Third Burma War which broke out on 14th November 1885 and was wounded in action at Oungdaw on 27th December 1885, when he received a slight wound from a gunshot to the left cheek, being one of only a very small number of men to become battlefield casualties during the Third Burmese War, the majority of casualties being caused by sickness and disease.
India General Service Medal 1854-1895, 1 Clasp: Burma 1885-7; (701 PTE: C. SMITH 2D: BN: HAMPS. R.)
Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine.
Charles Smith was born in Andover, Hampshire, and having worked as a labourer and seen service with the 5th Militia Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, then attested for service with the British Army on 6th February 1883, and joined as a Private (No.701) the Hampshire Regiment at Winchester.
Smith was posted to the 2nd Battalion and saw service out in India from 18th September 1883, and was then present on operations in Burma, being present during the Third Burma War which broke out on 14th November 1885 and was wounded in action at Oungdaw on 27th December 1885, when he received a slight wound from a gunshot to the left cheek, being then admitted to hospital at Mandalay the next day. Only a very small number of men became battlefield casualties during the Third Burmese War, the majority of casualties being caused by sickness and disease.
Smith also contracted dysentery and other diseases whilst on service in Burma, and spent a considerable period of time in hospital in Mandalay, as well as being tried and imprisoned from 21st April to 29th June 1886. Posted home on 1st February 1888, Smith was transferred to the Army Reserve on 29th March 1888, and finally discharged on 17th January 1892. Confirmed as his only medal entitlement
