Full medal write up
MILITARY GENERAL SERVICE 1793, CLASP TOULOUSE ‘B. COMERFORD, 88TH FOOT’.
Bernard Comerford, a 26 year old labourer from Monagh, Monaghan, Ireland, enlisted in to the 88th Foot at Belfast on 20 August 1813. His active service started during the invasion of France and shortly after he was sent to America to take part in the 1812 War. His service record stating:
“In the South of France 3 months in north America from august 1814 to June 1815. In France with the Army of Occupation from august 1815 to may 1817 and the remainder with the depot & Regt a home. Was present at the battle of Toulouse & the attack on Plattsburg.”
He was finally discharged from the army on 13 April 1834, his conduct being described as ‘good’.
Musters show Comerford joined the Captain Nickle’s 1 Company (Light Company), 1st Battalion 88th Foot in France on 8 March 1814 and therefore was present at Toulouse. Musters also show a number of men killed or died shortly after, which suggests the Light Company was one of the 3 companies engaged. Along with 5 and 7 companies. Still shown on the musters as serving with the Light Company at Plattsburg, this company was the only company actually present at the battle of Plattsburg…………………
SEE PDF FOR FULL WRITE UP
Note Service papers and medal roll spelt ‘Camerford’, Regimental musters and medal ‘Comerford’.
Condition VF, several small EK’s.
Scarce to have confirmation of service at the battle of Plattsburg as more often than not, service papers will note service in ‘North America’ but will not detail specific battles unless wounded. However confirmation that Comerford was one of the small number of men of the 88th that served in the Light Company at Plattsburg makes this a rare piece indeed.