Military General Service Medal 1793-1814, awarded to Lieutenant Matthew Latham

Silver medal with the portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse, with the inscription, 'Victoria Regina' with the date '1848'. On the reverse the figure of Queen Victoria crowns a kneeling figure of the Duke of Wellington with a wreath, with the inscription, 'To The British Army' and the date range, '1793-1814', with a red and blue ribbon. Two clasps bearing the battle honours, 'Busaco' and 'Albuhera'.

The Military General Service Medal commemorated the battles of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). However, it was not issued until 1847. This was 33 years after the last battle the medal marked. Therefore the numbers issued were fairly small and just over 25,000 were awarded. The next of kin of the dead, unless the veteran had lodged a claim prior to his death, were not eligible to claim the medal.

The clasps recognise the recipient's service at the battles of Bussaco (1810) and Albuera (1811) during the Peninsular War (1808-1814). During the Battle of Albuera (1811), Lieutenant Matthew Latham, 3rd (The East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs) defended the Kings Colour. He sustained serious wounds but refused to surrender. In recognition of his bravery, the Prince Regent paid for his reconstructive surgery following the battle, and Latham was awarded a special medal and promotion to captain.