EARLY INDIAN CAMPAIGNS AND THE DECORATIONS AWARDED FOR THEM

The details on medal dies used by both the English and Indian Mints for early awards is most informative. Issuance figures contained within the covers gives the reader an in depth knowledge that is not found elsewhere, it establishes the real rarity of certain awards. The text is complimented with the addition of medal illustrations often showing the original suspenders. Starting with the Seringapatam medal of 1799, Biddulph sets out the order of battle, he also details the command structure and lists the strength of units, both Imperial and Indian, he details the prize money, over £1 million pounds was awarded. Listed by name are Engineer officers who served in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Mysore Wars. The section devoted to the Army of India Medal 1803-26, covers composition of forces, lists casualties by regiment and gives a brief detail of the campaigns. The section on the Ghuznee and Jellalabad campaigns is comprehensive giving units and numbers involved. Biddulph describes the background to the various conflicts, he sets out the order of battle and breaks down the medal issuance by regiment. Regarding the Afghan War of 1842, this section overflows with details of units involved and medal issuance numbers, this alone makes the work an essential reference for the collector. He covers the Sutlej & Punjab Campaigns of 1848-49. In the section touching on China, Pegu and Persia he lists the vessels of Bengal Marine and Indian Navy involved. Major Biddulph as an Royal Engineer Officer has made a point of including rolls of Engineer officers who served in the various early Indian conflicts. This unique work that has stood on its own for ninety years, the information contained has never been bettered and only marginally amended, it comes with the highest recommendation.