India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1889-92 (2534 Pte. E. Boyce 2d. Bn. Devon....

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1889-92 (2534 Pte. E. Boyce 2d. Bn. Devon. Regt.) extremely fine £120-£160 --- Edmund Boyce was born in Stoke St Michael, Somerset in 1862. A Quarry Labourer by occupation, he attested for the Devonshire Regiment at Bristol on 21 June 1881. Posted initially to the 1st Battalion at Colchester he joined a draft for the 2nd Battalion stationed in Jullundur, India, on 20 October 1882 where his disciplinary record was to say the least poor. The battalion disembarked at Rangoon in December 1890 and Boyce took part in the Wuntho Expedition from 16 February to 30 April 1891. He was present at the attack on Kyaingkwintaung Stockade on 22 February 1891 during which the Battalion suffered 13 men killed and wounded; Boyce was amongst the casualties receiving a gun shot to his face at Kyaingkwintaung Stockade and was admitted to hospital at Mandalay on 24 February 1891 leading to an operation to remove his left eye. Invalided he embarked for England 7 October 1891 and was discharged at Netley as medically unfit 8 December 1891. A medical report at Horfield Barracks, Bristol on 28 October 1892 recorded ‘Total blindness left side (eye removed) with much deformity of parts around, also impaired vision in right eye, some danger of total blindness, can practically do nothing towards earning a living.’ This report resulted in him being granted a permanent pension of 18d per day. He returned to his previous occupation as a quarryman in Somerset but unfortunately his health declined and he was admitted to the Frome Workhouse. He was reported missing from his home and subsequently found dead at Mackintosh Colliery, Kilmersdon on 10 September 1924, aged 62. Sold with copied service records and other research.