Four: Private W. Packer, 61st Regiment, Punjab, two clasps, Goojerat, Chilianwala (61st Foot); India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, North West Frontier (61st Regiment); Indian Mutiny, one clasp, Delhi (61st Regt.); Army Long Service and Good Conduct, V.R. (61st Foot), contact wear, edge bruising and polished, about very fine or better (4)

Details

Four: Private W. Packer, 61st Regiment, Punjab, two clasps, Goojerat, Chilianwala (61st Foot); India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, North West Frontier (61st Regiment); Indian Mutiny, one clasp, Delhi (61st Regt.); Army Long Service and Good Conduct, V.R. (61st Foot), contact wear, edge bruising and polished, about very fine or better (4)

Lot Essay

Private William Packer was born in the Parish of Haydon, near Swindon in 1826 and enlisted into the 61st Foot at Cirencester in October 1842, aged 17 years. Proceeding to India with the Regiment in July 1845, he participated in the Battles of Goojerat and Chilianwala and afterwards in the Expedition against the Baizais of Yusafai, which latter service qualified him for the 'North West Frontier' clasp. He also participated in the action against the Kohat Pass Afridis in 1850, a Punitive Expedition having been mounted to avenge the ambush of a party of Sappers and Miners. His final stint of active service was before Delhi in the Mutiny, the 61st Regiment afterwards being garrisoned in the city. Packer returned home in 1860 and was discharged in March 1865, his L.S. and G.C. Medal being awarded in June of the following year.