Indian General Service Medal 1854 with Perak clasp to 10th (Lincolnshire Regt.)
Named in engraved Capitals to: 525 Pte W. Russell, 1-10th Foot
Extremely fine condition
The Perak War took place from 1875 and 1876, between the British and local forces in Perak, a state in North-western Malaysia. The Sultan of Lower Perak and other chiefs, attempted to end foreign influence in the region and remove the British Administrator, James W.W. Birch. Birch was disliked by the locals and was assassinated, he was taking a bath when a local tribal leader “Lela Pandak Lam” speared him. Today the event of his death is popular in Malaysia and taught in schools, as an early attempt at of an anti-colonial uprising although it is widely debated. Following the killing, the British Empire was obviously enraged, deploying reinforcements including Pte Crankshaw from the 80th Foot with them. The Perak Malays put up a good fight in the 3 main battles at Bandar Tua, Pasir Salak and Kota Lama Kanan, claiming the life of some British officers and men. The British forces wore them down and captured many of the leaders, including the assassin himself, who was soon after hanged, whilst 2 others were exiled to the Seychelles, including Sultan Abdullah II of Perak, the 26th Sultan, who was amongst those who agreed to the murder, those present at the discussion even ruled out poison as a means, preferring a spear.
