medal code j3931

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MILITARY GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL

THE FINE AND RARE FORT DETROIT CLASPED MILITARY GENERAL SERVICE 1793 TO A SERGEANT OF THE 41ST FOOT WHO’S COMPANY LATER SERVED AT QUEENSTON HEIGHTS, THE FIRST MAJOR BATTLE OF THE 1812 WAR AND WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED BY A GUNSHOT WOUND AT THE STORMING OF FORT STEPHENSON (SANDUSKY), OHIO, 2 AUGUST 1813, RESULTING IN THE AMPUTATION OF HIS ARM. ONE OF JUST 62 MEDALS TO THIS REGIMENT THAT SAW SO MUCH ACTION DURING THE WAR WITH AMERICAN

MILITARY GENERAL SERVICE 1793, CLASP, FORT DETROIT ‘E. DENHAM, SERJT. 41ST FOOT’.

Edmund Denham was born at Walsall, Staffordshire, enlisted into the 41st Foot on 11 April 1809, a volunteer from the Militia, he joined the regiment in Canada in July 1809. Having been promoted Corporal by 1812, he served in Captain Derenzy’s Company and took part in the attack on Fort Detroit on 16 August 1812, receiving the Military General Service Medal for this action nearly 40 years later. The 41st were the only British Regiment present at Fort Detroit, being awarded the Battle Honour Miami.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Detroit

As noted, Denham served in Captain Derenzy’s company at the taking of Fort Detroit and was still in his company by the time he was wounded at the Assault on Fort Stephenson. It is therefore almost certain he was also present with Derenzy at the defence and repulse of an American Army at the battle of Queenston Heights on 13th October 1812. This was the first major battle of the 1812 war, during which, the British commander, General Brock was killed. Captains Derenzy and Bullock of the 41st were particularly mentioned for their gallantry during the battle:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Queenston_Heights

Derenzy’s service:

“William Derenzy was appointed lieutenant, 41st Foot, 15th November 1794, from 62nd Foot; captain, 25th June, 1803. Served with the 41st at the battle of Queenstown, the storming of Fort Sandusky, and the action at Moravianstadt. He was taken prisoner at the last-named battle and was exchanged at the termination of the war.”

WOUNDED DURING THE ASSAULT ON FORT STEPHENSON (SANDUSKY) OHIO

Having been promoted Sergeant in December 1812, the following year Sergeant Denham was severely wounded in the assault on Fort Stephenson, by the Sandusky River in Ohio, on 2 August 1813……………..

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318 Military General Service medals with the Fort Detroit clasp were issued, of which just 62 were to the 41st, these being the only clasp the 41st were entitled to. Additionally, 8 were issued to the Royal Artillery, 5 to the 49th and one to a Staff Officer. The rest. 242, to men of the Canadian Militia, Indians etc.

Condition NEF, very minor edge nicks. Ex DNW 2004 and has been in a collection since. First recorded at Sotheby in July 1892, subsequently in the Day collection 1910, the Coutts collection 1921, and the Phillips collection 1965.

An extremely fine and rare seen 41st Foot Fort Detroit medal to a Fort Stephenson casualty.

Code J3931        Price £9,495