Medals Database > By Country > Great Britain

The Capture of Ceylon Medal

Time Period: Pre-WW1
Year of Institution: 15 May 1807
Country: Great Britain

The Capture of Ceylon Medal was instituted on 15 May 1807 by an Order in Council at Fort William, India and awarded to part of the forces under the command of the East India Company that participated in the British Invasion of Dutch Ceylon.

The Invasion of Ceylon was part of the French Revolutionary Wars, over the 21 July 1795 – 16 February 1796 period. Two medals were cast in gold for officers (some believe natives), with 120-121 being cast in silver for members (Gun Lascars) of the Bengal Artillery.

The Capture of Ceylon Medal Design

The Capture of Ceylon measures 1.9 inches (48 mm) in diameter, and is struck in gold or silver.

The obverse face displays an English inscription For Services on the Island of Ceylon A.D. 1795/6. The reverse face shows a Persian inscription: “This medal was given by way of acknowledgment of services in Ceylon in the year of the Hegira 1209-1210.”

The medal was intended to be worn round the neck with a yellow cord.

More Medals from Great Britain

Explore the rich history of British military honors through a captivating display of medals from different periods. Use the images below to learn more about the diverse array of decorations that have adorned the uniforms of British servicemen and women throughout history or use the button at the end to visit the entire UK medals database.