ZULU WAR SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL WITH 1878-9 CLASP TO PTE. T. RILEY, 1/13TH FOOT (DESERTER)

Thomas Riley was born in Birmingham in 1861 and worked as a brass caster.

Attesting with the 13th Foot on 24 Oct 1872, Riley deserted at Dublin on 19 Mar 1873, not giving himself up as a deserter until 9 Aug 1873. Tried for desertion, Riley was imprisoned for 111 days before returning to service with the regiment.

Riley is also recorded as receiving a Wound to the hand at Pretoria on 4 May 1877, serving in South Africa for a total of 4 years and 335 days.