A Gold & White Enamel Mourning Ring,
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18 carat gold Hall Marked for 1812. In raised gold with white enamel ‘J.M.Stokes AET 22 Killed at Badajoz 30 March 1812’ weights 7 grams. In its original box.
James Marshall Stokes Lieutenant 95th Regiment of Foot. Lt Shropshire Militia, 2nd Lt 95th Foot 20 April 1809.1st Lt 2 May 1811. Served in the Peninsula with 3/95th Feb 1810-Sept 1811 and 1/95th Oct 1811- April 1812. Present at Cadiz, Sobral, Fuentes d’Onoro, Cudad Rodrigo and Badajoz, also at Walcheren 1809.
The first major action of the Third Siege of Badajoz came on the 26th of March with the capture of Fort Picurina. The 95th played a major role in this engagement, with a party of Riflemen being tasked with carrying the ladders to be used in the escalade. Lieutenant James Stokes was the first British soldier to enter the fort.
He was killed on the 6th April on top of the wall leading a ladder party he is commemorated on the Roll of fame for The Rifle Brigade on the north wall at Winchester Cathedral. Only four officers out 40 killed during the Peninsular War are commemorated on it.
In good condition some very small scratches to the enamel.