Group of 3 to to CSM Instructor J. Halsey, School of Musketry, late K.R.R.C., papers show he deserted 3 times & rejoined under 3 different alias, still managed to get an Army LSGC, also saved Sepoy Khan from drowning, an interesting lot, see description

Group of 3 Medal to Company Sergeant Major Instructor J Anderson (Halsey) School Of Musketry late Kings Royal Riffle Corps

India General Service Medal (1854) Clasp Lushai 1889-92
5859 Pte. J. HALSEY 4th Bn K.Ryl. Rifles 

Army Long Service Good Conduct Medal (Vict)
625 C.S.M. Instr J Anderson S. of Msky 

Royal Humane Society (Bronze)
Private J.G. Halsey 4th Kings Royal Rifles, 7th May 1892

John George Halsey was born at Mimms Tottenham on 13th December 1865, he enlisted in the Bedfordshire Regiment in 1884 aged 19yrs.

He was posted to the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment which was stationed at Colchester but deserted in April 1884. He made his way to London where he joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry under the alias of John Smith.

In September 1886 he deserted for a second time and enlisted in the East Surrey Regiment at Kingston Upon Thames using the Alias John Anderson. He was promoted to Lance Corporal and passed his 2nd Class Certificate of Education. At this point in time the summer of 1887 he confessed to his fraudulent enlistment and earlier desertion from the Bedfordshire Regiment and R.M.L.I. He was given the benefit of a Queen's Pardon as both the Admiralty & Bedfordshire Regt stating they no longer required his services.

There matters might have rested but Halsey struck a soldier and was subject of a Regimental Court Marshall in December 1887. He was convicted and was reduced to the ranks, a few days later he slipped out of barracks and deserted again, this time enlisting in the Northumberland Fusiliers under a new alias of John McKenzie. But his past misdemeanours soon caught up with him and he was sentenced to 56 Days Imprisonment with Hard Labour. He completed his Sentence and was posted back to the East Surrey Regiment and embarked for India in October 1888.

In the Summer of 1890 Halsey transferred (Officially) to the 4th Battalion Kings Royal Riffles at Allahabad and was subsequently present in the Operations in the Lushai Country in 1891-92, latterly as a member of the Kanhow Column (Medal & Clasp).

During the course of these duties, he carried out a Gallant Rescue of Sepoy Peer Khan 4th Madras Pioneers who on the 7th May 1892 fell into and was swept down the Manipur River. Halsey jumped into the river and managed to reach Khan and hold him up, Surgeon Captain E.C. White also swam out to Khan & Halsey and managed to help them back to the riverbank. For their Bravery both Halsey & White were each awarded a Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal (Case Book Entry 26,159 11th November 1892 Refers).

On his return to UK Halsey gained rapid promotion being advanced to Corporal in May 1893 and to Lance Serjeant one year later. He extended his service to complete 12 & then 21 years. He passed his Certificate of 1 Class Education and was advanced to Colour Serieant in July 1899.

He Transferred to the School of Musketry at Hythe and was awarded the Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal in A.O. 242 1907 and was advanced to Quarter Master Serjeant Instructor. He was finally discharged from the Army in February 1909 and settled in Hertfordshire.

With advent of WW1 in August 1914, Halsey volunteered for service in the Royal Irish Regiment and served with both the 3rd & 5* Battalions in England & Ireland. He served through out the duration of the war and was finally discharged as a Company Quartermaster serjeant in March 1919. (No WW1 Medal entitlement)