India General Service Medal (1895-1902) with “Relief of Chitral 1895” Clasp, Private Thomas Parkinson, 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

India General Service Medal (1895-1902) with “Relief of Chitral 1895” Clasp, Private Thomas Parkinson (service number 2707), 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

Private Thomas Parkinson was born in 1871 and resided in Blackburn, Lancaster, where he worked as a weaver. On August 24, 1889, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the East Lancashire Regiment, which he had formerly served in, in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

His initial service was at home from August 24, 1889, until October 11, 1891. Afterwards, he was deployed to India from October 12, 1891, to March 18, 1897, during which he took part in the relief of the Chitral expedition.

He returned home on March 19, 1897, and remained in England until January 12, 1900. On October 13, 1900, he was posted to South Africa, where he earned the Queen’s South Africa (QSA) medal with “Johannesburg”, “Cape Colony”, and the “Orange Free State” clasps. He returned home again on October 16, 1901, and was recorded as “invalided to England” in the QSA medal roll. He was discharged from service on March 20, 1902.

Following his discharge, he re-enlisted with the Royal Garrison Regiment on August 4, 1902, under service number “5428”, and served with the 5th Battalion starting from August 5, 1902. He spent time in Canada from September 20, 1902, to July 23, 1904, before returning home on July 24, 1904. He was discharged again on March 8, 1904.

Engraved

2707 Pte. T. Parkinson 1st Bn E. Lanc. Regt

Condition

Very good, the suspender stem is slightly bent