India Medal 1895 - 1902 : Private V M Monk, Highland Light Infantry

India Medal 1895 - 1902 (first issue) with the bars 'PUNJAB FRONTIER 1897-98' and 'TIRAH 1897-98'. The recipient's number, rank, name and regiment are engraved on the edge. Obverse: The crowned and veiled head of Queen Victoria and legend, 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. Reverse: A British and Indian soldier both supporting the same standard. On the left is the word 'INDIA' and on the right the date '1895'. The medal is fitted with a floreated swivelling suspender and two fish tailed bars that have rosettes on the lower edges. A piece of 32 mm crimson ribbon with two dark green stripes down the centre is attached to the suspender.

Awarded to Private V M Monk of the Highland Light Infantry for service during the Punjab Frontier and Tirah Expeditions of 1897-98. The India Medal of 1895 replaced the 1854 India General Service Medal. In 1901 the obverse of this medal was changed to the bust of Edward VII (second issue). This medal is part of a collection assembled by the late Hon. Sir Thomas Hughes, Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales. It was presented to the Memorial in memory of his son, Captain Roger Forrest Hughes, Australian Army Medical Corps, who died of wounds in France on 11 December 1916, and of his grandson, Flying Officer Peter Roger Forrest Hughes, 12 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, who was killed on active service while flying in the Northern Territory on 3 October 1942.