I am researching my family history. I have a record of a solider in the 24th Foot Bridge. He ends up being treated at the Royal Hospital for an injury. The record is dated 2nd February 1815 and states 'Injury at Talavera' there are about 8 others with similar injuries from the same place - Talavera. Given that the Battle of Talavera was in 1809, why are these soliders being treated 6 years later in London? Was there subsequent skirmishes in Talavera? Surley it acnnot have taken 6 years to get home??!! Any information would be really welcome. Thanks
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@Lee Rymill Thanks for sharing your research. Joseph is indeed on the roll. “The Military General Service Roll 1793-1814” AT Mullen 1990. Page 221, shown with one bar for Talavera. So definitely issued, and undoubtedly worn with pride, even out of uniform (As veterans still do, me included). Mullen doesn’t mention any sight in an auction. This means it might still exist in the hands of one of your wife’s distant relatives. Or alternatively sold privately, through a small or general sale that escapes the eagle eyes of collectors or sadly tossed away in a house clearance. As it’s solid silver, there is also the chance it ended up at the pawnbrokers or went into the melting pot. If it still exists, it is easy to attribute, his name, rank and regiment is impressed on the edge. I’ll set my son James, who’s a bit of a super sleuth at these things on to it, and see if he can come up with something of it. We will definitely be able to personalise a watercolour we have done. If we send you the image, it shouldn’t cost us anything but a small donation to Autism UK wouldn’t go amiss. I also notice some familiar images, if you want to know more about the medical aspects of Joseph’s amputation I cannot recommend @mickcrumplin ‘s works highly enough.