MILITARY GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL WITH MARTINIQUE & AMERICAN CLASPS TO LIEUT. E. FINCH, 8TH FOOT (WOUNDED)

Edward Finch was appointed Ensign with the 8th Foot on 18 June 1807 at the age of 16 years, and promoted to Lieutenant on 28 June 1809, serving with the 8th Foot at the Capture of Martinique in 1809. Subsequently during the American war, Finch was 'present at York, Sackett’s Harbour, Stoney Creek, and Fort George’. After the surprise of the American camp at Stoney Creek on 5 June 1813, Finch was twice employed in carrying despatches, as the regimental history records:

"Early in June, the five companies of the regiment which had been engaged at Sackett’s Harbour, embarked from Kingston, with some artillery, on board the squadron, under Commodore James Yeo, to reinforce the British troops at Fort George. Major Evans, though still suffering from his wounds, was carried on board and placed in command."

"News of the evacuation of Fort George having been obtained, Sir James Yeo received directions to land the men as near York town as possible; but the fleet being detained by contrary winds, Major Evans and Lieutenant Finch travelled by land to York, which the Americans had evacuated, and hearing of the gallant affair at Stoney Creek, Major Evans returned to the fleet, and induced Sir James Yeo to attack the American camp at Forty-mile Creek; at the same time Lieutenant Finch proceeded by land to apprise Brigadier-General Vincent of the approach of the shipping and troops. A combined movement was arranged, in which the light company of the King’s was employed; and the Americans, being thus menaced by water and land, fled from their post with precipitation; the British pressed upon them, captured several boats, and obtained possession of a great part of the camp equipage and baggage of the American army."

Finch states in his statement of service that he was wounded ‘in America with the 8th Foot in action’. The 8th Foot was subsequently granted the battle honour ‘Niagara’. Finch exchanged into the 1st Life Guards on 28 June 1815, and retired on half-pay in the 13th Light Dragoons in Sep 1817.