Instituted April 30, 1869. In silver, full size, the obverse features the profile of Queen Victoria and the reverse features the figure of Victory awarding a crown to a man holding a target with three arrows in it a wreath, rim engraved PRIVATE HUGH MORGAN. 77TH FOOT, worn on original ribbon, light wear, a very rare medal in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Records of Hugh Morgan state he was born in Newry, Ireland, and enlisted in Dublin at the age of 20, as private (no. 4840) in the Louth Rifles Militia. He was discharged June 12 1879, while part of the 77th Regiment. On June 14, 1879, he is noted in the book “The King’s and Queen’s Medal for Shooting” by David Owen M.B.E. He is recorded as deserted in July 18, 1881, after serving for two years and two months.
John Moore, a blacksmith born in Mayport, Cumberland, enlisted with the Royal Artillery in Sheerness on December 16, 1881. On May 15, 1886, he confessed to his officer Captain F.E. Cuthbertson of his fraudulent enlistment as No. 195 Hugh Morgan. His papers cease there, as he was likely put in gaol or immediate dismissal.