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"This medal, which is by L. C. Wyon, Esquire, is a work of great merit. The obverse has the Queen's head with the superscription Victoria Regina, and on the reverse Britannia, is represented in an erect position, instead of being seated, and above is the word India; the drapery is most judiciously arranged. In her right hand, outstretched, is a laurel wreath. The usual shield with the union is on the left arm, and in the hand are other wreaths. The British Lion forms an appropriate background The ribbon is French white, with two red stripes. It was granted to all engaged in operations against the rebels or mutineers, and was also conferred on non-military persons who had borne arms as volunteers against them. There are five bars attached, respectively inscribed Delhi, Defence of Lucknow, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow, and Central India. The first clasp was granted to the troops employed in the operations against, and at the assault of Delhi; that for the Defence of Lucknow was conferred on all of the original garrison, under Major-General Inglis, and to these who succoured them, and continued the defence under Major-Generals Sir Henry Havelock and Sir James Outram, until relieved by Lord Clyde; Relief of Lucknow was authorized to the troops engaged in the operations against that place, under the immediate command of Lord Clyde, in November, 1857; and the clasp Lucknow was awarded to the force engaged under his lordship's immediate command in March, 1858, in the final capture of the town, and in all operations connected therewith; Central India was granted to the column under Major-General Sir Hugh Rose G. C. B., engaged in the operations against Jhansi, Calpee, and Gwalior, and also to the troops, which, under the command of Major-Generals Roberts and Whitlock respectively, performed such important service in Central India." — Medals of the British Army.

Claude Martin was a Frenchman. He was born in the year 1735 at Lyons, where his father carried on the business of a silk manufacturer. It was intended that he should follow the same calling, but his adventurous spirit would not submit to so tame a career, and running away from home at an early age, he enlisted in the French army. He soon distinguished himself by his activity and energy, and was advanced from an Infantry to a Cavalry Regiment. In 1757