88th Regiment Order of Merit, 2nd Class with ten general actions. Awarded to Robert McGrath of the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers). Hibernia seated with Celtic harp, outstretched arm offering wreath / 88 above ORTHES, BADAJOZ, VITTORIA, SALAMANCA, FUENTES D'ONOR, CUIDAD RODRIGO, PYRENEES, TOULOUSE, NIVELLE, NIVE, all within laurel wreath. Edge inscription: ROBERT MCGRATH either side of suspension clasp. Suspension bar inscribed PENINSULA. 20.17g, 98mm inc. ribbon (medal detached).

Good Very Fine.

Ex Noonans, 21 May 2020, lot 776. 

Robert McGrath was born in Ballymote, a small town in County Sligo, on the 16th October 1791. On his 17th birthday he enlisted in the 88th Foot at Sligo town. Posted to No. 8 Company, 1st Battalion, he joined the Regiment in the Peninsula, where it was part of General Picton’s 3rd Division, and served with them throughout the Peninsula campaign. During the Battle of Vittoria on 21st June 1813, the 88th Foot faced some of the heaviest fighting and took part in a series of bayonet charges. As a result of this, the regiment suffered 210 casualties. McGrath was among them as he was wounded in his left arm.

In June 1814, McGrath was sent to Canada with the rest of the 88th Foot. They were recalled back to Europe shortly after Napoleon escaped from Elba, however they arrived too late to be involved in the Waterloo campaign. Afterwards, they formed part of the army of occupation, and eventually returned to Ireland.

McGrath was discharged on the 24th November 1818, his conduct is listed as ‘good’. In 1833 he is noted as being employed as a Weaver, however after this there is no further trace of him.

• Graded good very fine.
• Deep old cabinet tone to obverse.
• Edge dent at 4h.
• Medal detached from suspension bar and remaining clasps are loose.
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