Punjab Medal clasps Goojerat, Mooltan (H. HAYES, 1ST BN. 60TH R. RIFLES.)
Henry Hayes was born in Islington, London in 1823. By trade a Light Porter, he attested for service with the 60th Regiment, Royal Rifles at Westminster on 25 January 1841. At the time he signed up he was 18 years old and 5 feet 8 inches in height with grey eyes and fair hair.
He was thrice Court Martialled which led to a seesaw from Private to Sergeant and back again in an interesting 21 year and 25 day career in uniform. Despite this he was recorded, on discharge, as being of Good Character. Operationally he was in Canada for 3 years and the East Indies, for 11 years and 8 months. this last tour of duty earned him his only medal - the Punjab with clasps for Goojerat and Mooltan.
Whilst in the army he served with a number of battalions including the 1/60th, 2/60th and 4/60th Royal Rifles - this led to the change of his regimental number from 1629 to 8 to 348. He was released from the army at the age of 39 years and 3 months on 25 February 1862 as a result of sickness which rendered him "No longer fit for service." The medico's reporting that, "This man suffers from Rheumatism. His general health is much impaired by service in the tropics and repeated attacks of inflammation of the liver while serving in India. I cannot say from afar if at all the indulgence in the use of intoxications has caused his disability."
Medal is in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with research.
