Description
Indian Mutiny, clasp, Central India – 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment.
Indian Mutiny, clasp, Central India, 3768 Wm Evans, 95th Regt (Service number unofficially impressed)
There are two men called William Evans on the medal roll for the 95th, however the unofficial service number does identify the recipient tas being one of these men.
William Evans was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire in 1837 and enlisted into the 95th regiment on the 4th October 1855, occupation gun maker.
He did not served with the regiment in the crimea, but went with them to India
In June 1857, the 95th (The Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot was swiftly diverted from a scheduled deployment to the Cape of Good Hope to help suppress the rapidly expanding Indian Mutiny. Disembarking in India in September 1857, the regiment was integrated into the Central India Field Force and the Rajputana Field Force, emerging as a dependable cornerstone of military operations
Over the course of this grueling campaign, the 95th undertook an extraordinary tour, marching more than 3,000 miles across the harsh, unforgiving landscapes of central India while enduring scorching heat and continuous skirmishing. The regiment fought in at least fourteen distinct actions, carving out a stellar reputation for frontline resilience.
Their service included:
The Assault on Rowa (January 1858): The regiment spearheaded the capture of this heavily entrenched town, showcasing fierce hand-to-hand combat prowess that earned soldiers like Private Bernard McQuirt the Victoria Cross.
The Siege of Kotah (March 1858): The 95th formed a core attacking element during the complex reduction and capture of this massive, heavily fortified Rajputana city.
The Capture of Gwalior (June 1858): In a crowning achievement on 19 June 1858, the regiment fought fiercely through the streets of Lashkar and scaled the towering, heavily defended ramparts of Gwalior Fort, breaking the back of major organized rebel resistance.
Throughout the autumn of 1858, the 95th transitioned to intense pacification and pursuit operations, successfully engaging insurgent remnants at Powree, Beejapore, and Koondrye. By November 1858, the regiment had completed an arduous and vital service history, earning widespread distinction.
HE is recorded as being stationed in Poona in 1861, but then on the 12th November 1861 he went before a discharge board and is described as having a medical disability.
Condition – GVF some surface wear and minor contact marks.
