United Kingdom. A Military General Service Medal and Long Service Medal Pair to Michael Dyer, 97th Foot

A Military General Service Medal, in silver, full size, rim is both privately engraved and officially impressed COLOR SERGT M. DYER, 97TH FOOT. & 40TH FOOT (with COLOR SERGT and & 40 FOOT being privately engraved later), and M. DYER, 97TH FOOT officially impressed), with TALAVERA and VIMIERA clasps, a few edge knocks and gouge/scratch on the reverse, remains in very fine condition. 

A Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, in silver, rim privately engraved COLOR SERGT MICHAEL DYER, 40TH REGT OF FOOT 1841, original clip, contact marks throughout, bright, near very fine. 

Footnote: Michael Dyer is on the Medal Roll for the Military General Service Medal, and is entitled to the Talavera and Vimiera clasps. He is not listed as an officer. 

Dyer was born about 1791 at Monamiter Sley’s. In September 1841, Dyer is noted on the list of invalids admitted on the Pension List. He was 50 years of age, residing in Chatham, having served 32 years and one month, and was suffering from chronic rheumatism. 

The 97th Regiment of Foot took part in both the Battle of Vimiera (1808) and the Battle of Talavera (1809) during the early stages of the Peninsular War. At Vimiera, the regiment helped repel French attacks under Junot, contributing to a key British victory that secured Wellington’s initial foothold in Portugal. The following year, at Talavera, the 97th fought in intense combat alongside British and Spanish forces against a larger French army, enduring heavy fighting and playing a significant role in the Allied success. These actions earned the regiment recognition and distinction in Wellington’s Peninsular campaigns.