5th Regiment Merit Medal

Date1836-1855

MediumSilver

DimensionsDiameter: 34mm Thickness: 3/32"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2012-160

DescriptionObverse; St. George and the dragon facing right below a ribbon inscribed with the Latin motto of the regiment; "Quo Fata Vocant" meaning "Wherever the Fates Call."

Reverse; " V NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS MERIT" with "MARCH 10th 1767" in exergue, all within a laurel wreath.

Crudely engraved inscription on edge reads "T McGuire, 1st Batn. 5th Fusrs."

Label TextThe last of the different Merit medals the 5th Regiment had made were struck after 1836, when the unit became known as the Northumberland Fusiliers. This addition to the Regiment's name was added to a new reverse die, as seen on this 14 year medal. This type was awarded for almost two decade, until regulations abolished the 5th's Order of Merit in 1855. Those who had earned their place on the Merit roll, like Private McGuire, were allowed to continue wearing their medals.

For a discussion of similar medals see Major J.L. Balmer's "British and Irish Regimental & Volunteer Medals 1745-1895," Devonshire: Langlands Edition LTD, 1988, pp. 100 -110.
Inscribed"T. McGuire, 1st Batn 5th Fusrs" engraved along the edge.