Description
India General Service Medal 1854 Clasp Burma 1885-7 Royal Scots Fusiliers. Converted to a Menu Holder
Medal correctly engraved 978 Pte. J. McAlpine 2d. Bn. R. Sco. Fus
Silver menu holder connected to the back of the medal bar, to restore you would likely need a replacement bar.
Service papers have survived and digitised versions are online. James McAlpine enlisted 19th November 1984 at Ayr, aged 18 years 3 months – a Slater in civilian life. Served: Home, 15.11.84-10.3.86; East Indies 11.3.86-21.2.92; Home 22.2.92-20.12.99; South Africa 21.12.99-18.11.01; Home 19.11.01-21.11.01 total -17 years, 7 days. Also entitled to a Queen’s South Africa Medal.
McAlpine enlisted again at Birmingham in 1903 joining the Royal Garrison Regiment? numbered 7276. Appears to have served back in South Africa? – and again, 30.3.1915, now aged 48 he starts his WW1 service, serving in the 2/5th RSF, then RDC, 18 Soc Rif; disembodied 3.4.1919 All WW1 service at home, 4 years 4 days total.
