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

Silver campaign medal with, on the obverse, a bust of Queen Victoria, and on the reverse, the Duke of Wellington receiving a laurel wreath from the Queen. The medal is suspended from a crimson ribbon, edged in blue. Two clasps bearing the battle honours, 'Busaco' and 'Albuhera'.

The Military General Service Medal commemorates the battles of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). It was not issued until 1847 when many of those that would have been entitled to it were dead.

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.