United Kingdom. A 1842 Cabul Medal, To Corporal John Moles, 31St Regiment

A 1842 Cabul Medal, constructed of silver, the obverse presents the diademed head of Queen Victoria facing left with the inscription VICTORIA VINDEX (PROTECTOR), the reverse presents the inscription CABUL 1842 within a laurel wreath, surmounted by a crown, the recipient’s name and regiment (No 775.JOHN MOLES. CORPL. HMS. 31ST REGT.) are engraved on the edge, designer marked on obverse with W WYON R.A., measuring 35.91 mm in diameter, on a straight steel suspender attached the the medal by a steel clip and pin, on ribbon of watered rainbow colouring (common to most East India Company medals), with a pattern of red, white, yellow, white, and blue, and in better than very fine condition.

Footnote: The Cabul 1842 version was awarded for the advance on Kabul, culminating in the city’s capture on 15 September 1842. Approximately 12,750 were awarded. The 31st (Hungtingdonshire) Regiment was one of six regiments of marines formed in 1702, and raised in the West Country by Colonel George Villier during the War of the Spanish Succession.

The 31st took part in the First Afghan War (1839-42), joining Sir George Pollock’s Army of Retribution that captured Kabul in 1842