Date
Instituted: 1842.
Campaign: Afghanistan 1841-42.
Description: There are two issues of this
medal of different designs:
The first issue has the 'Mural
Crown' with the inscription 'JELLALABAD' above on the obverse while
the reverse has the date 'VII APRIL 1842'. The suspender is
of a straight steel design which was either fixed directly to the
medal or by a small ring.
The second design has the head of
young Queen Victoria with the legend 'VICTORIA VINDEX' or 'VICTORIA
REGINA' while the reverse had the winged figure of Victory with
a laurel wreath in her right hand and the Union Jack in her left.
The upper half of the reverse also bears the inscription 'JELLALABAD
VII APRIL' while the date 'MDCCCXLII' appears in the exergue below.
Metal: Silver.
Size: 39mm (1st type) and 35mm (2nd type).
Clasps: None authorised for this medal.
| Ribbon: |
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Naming: The first type was issued un-named while the second type is found with indented block letters.
Comments: The second version (also known as the 'Flying Victory' type) was
introduced after it became apparent that there was not enough medals
produced to cover all those who were entitled. It was
also felt by the Governor General of India that the first issue
struck in Calcutta was too crude and so a redesign was made by W.
Wyon and produced in London. Of the second issue only a very few
medals were struck with the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA' and so are
more collectable commanding higher prices.
It is said that the Secretary of War issued a reprimand after the issue of the first type as he was annoyed it was awarded un-named. The second type was therefore issued with the recipient's details on the rim. |
