India General Service Medal clasp Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (5365 Pte. W. Stones 2d Bn. Derby Regt)
Walter Stones was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire on 24 September 1876. As a 19 year old Carter he enlisted into the 2nd Derbyshire Regiment on 26 February 1896 and was posted to India, landing there on 14 January 1898. Active on the Punjab Frontier he was, almost from the very start, debilitated by a Tubercle (Gland in the neck.) The findings of a Medical Board convened at Ranikhet on 19 September 1898 recommended his return to England with the hope expressed that the change would improve his health
He had been admitted to hospital on 20 July 1898 with a large stumous abscess (enlarged thyroid gland) on the left side of his neck involving the cervical glands. The abscess was opened and about 10 ounces of pus were excavated. It was found that his debility was "consequent on severe hardship and exposure on active service during the recent Frontier disturbances which had contributed largely to his present condition."
Stones was discharged from the army, medically unfit, on 4 July 1899.
He would appear to have made a full recovery as, according to the 1939 Register, he was a General Labourer (unemployed) living at 2 Mount Pleasant in Southwell. He died in Southwell in 1961.
Medal is in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with some research including service papers and medical reports.
