Description
Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-58, no clasp, awarded to Sergeant James Dallas, Bengal Sappers and Miners, (Sergt. J. Dallas Bgl Saprs & Minrs.), extremely fine
James Dallas enlisted at Ballymena on the 30th September 1850 for 10 years service in the East India Companies Infantry. He was then described as aged 20 years, 5 feet 6 inches tall, brown hair, grey eyes and fresh complexion. A native of Ahoghill, Co. Antrim, his occupation was given as Weaver.
Dallas joined the East India Company recruit depot at Warley Barracks, Brentwood, Essex on the 14th October 1850. He was allocated to Bengal and embarked for India on the ship “Nile” on the 18th June 1853. ( India Office Records: L/Mil/9/44 Infantry Recruits 1846-1853 refers)
He arrived at Calcutta on the 30th September 1853 and was posted as a Private to the Bengal Sappers and Miners. He was later transferred to the Public Works Department as a Sergeant. On Muster Roll 1/9/1857 he was a Sergeant (Assistant Overseer) PWD remanded to the Artillery under General Order By CinC on the 7th December 1860. Posted as a Guner to the 3/22nd Royal Artillery. Volunteered to Her Majesties 107th Foot (Bengal Light Infantry) in 1861 as 1638 Private before its amalgamation into the Home Establishment. (India Office Records:L/Mil/10/124 Bengal European Soldiers 1840-1850. L/Mil/10/178 Bengal Muster Rolls refer).
