| John Duff |
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| First Bombay European Fusiliers |
A native of Glasgow, John Duff enlisted in Glasgow for unlimited service (i.e. lifetime enlistment) in the infantry of the
Honorable East India Company on 26 November 1840.
Upon enlistment, Duff was described as nineteen years old, five foot four inches tall, with dark brown hair, gray eyes and
fresh complexion. His civilian occupation was given as a tailor.
John Duff joined the Recruit Depot at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, and was there assigned to the infantry of the Bombay
Presidency. He embarked for India aboard the “Lady East” on 4 January 1841, arriving in Bombay on the 24th of May, a
journey of almost five months. Upon arrival, he was posted as Regimental Number 593, Private, First Bombay European
Fusiliers. He was to serve with that Regiment for his entire military career.
Private Duff entitlement to the Punjab medal with clasps for Mooltan and Goojerat is verified by the medal roll of the
Bombay Army. His medal was sent to India on 20 December 1851. (L/MIL/5/72)
Duff”s no clasp Mutiny medal was issued for service in suppressing the outbreak of the 10th Bengal Light Cavalry at
Ferozepore on 19 August 1857 while a member of the Left Wing of the 1st Bombay European Fusiliers. (L/MIL/5/83)
Private Duff was discharged to a pension of one shilling per day, payable in the United Kingdom by Bombay GOCC dated 14
April 1860. His HEIC Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is the rare Anchor Reverse variant. Only approximately 100
of these medals were made using the incorrect die and where distributed to before the mistake was noticed.
The Bombay Times of 8 July 1859 reported:
Bombay General Orders
…
Privates Richard Wells, John Cooke, William Henry, William Best, Thomas Felec and John Duff to each a silver medal
immediately and a gratuity equivalent to Five Pounds in addition to their normal pensions.
…
Honorable East India Company on 26 November 1840.
Upon enlistment, Duff was described as nineteen years old, five foot four inches tall, with dark brown hair, gray eyes and
fresh complexion. His civilian occupation was given as a tailor.
John Duff joined the Recruit Depot at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, and was there assigned to the infantry of the Bombay
Presidency. He embarked for India aboard the “Lady East” on 4 January 1841, arriving in Bombay on the 24th of May, a
journey of almost five months. Upon arrival, he was posted as Regimental Number 593, Private, First Bombay European
Fusiliers. He was to serve with that Regiment for his entire military career.
Private Duff entitlement to the Punjab medal with clasps for Mooltan and Goojerat is verified by the medal roll of the
Bombay Army. His medal was sent to India on 20 December 1851. (L/MIL/5/72)
Duff”s no clasp Mutiny medal was issued for service in suppressing the outbreak of the 10th Bengal Light Cavalry at
Ferozepore on 19 August 1857 while a member of the Left Wing of the 1st Bombay European Fusiliers. (L/MIL/5/83)
Private Duff was discharged to a pension of one shilling per day, payable in the United Kingdom by Bombay GOCC dated 14
April 1860. His HEIC Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is the rare Anchor Reverse variant. Only approximately 100
of these medals were made using the incorrect die and where distributed to before the mistake was noticed.
The Bombay Times of 8 July 1859 reported:
Bombay General Orders
…
Privates Richard Wells, John Cooke, William Henry, William Best, Thomas Felec and John Duff to each a silver medal
immediately and a gratuity equivalent to Five Pounds in addition to their normal pensions.
…
