Army Pensions and Serice Medals

[Vulpecula45]

My  Grt Grandfather, Ralph RILEY(RIELLY) born 1830 in Co Meath, is shown in the 1901 census to be an army pensioner.  I have also found that he was in the 81st Regiment of Foot and served in India during the time of the Indian Mutiny 1857/8.  I have a photograph of a relative(Ralph was the only relative to serve in the forces so we assume it is him) in some kind of uniform with two medals showing, one of which looks like the Indian Mutiny Medal. What I would like to know is how long did you have to serve to get an army pension and what medals would Ralph had got for his service?

[MaxD]

The usual term of service required for discharge to pension was 21 years.  There were earlier pensions for disability/wounding etc in service so whether he got his earlier depends on knowing his full record.

The 19th century part on this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_campaign_medals#19th_century could be compared to his service dates to see what he may have been entitled to, depending on his service record.

Do you have any records? I haven't been able to trace him so far

Added - just seen your other thread where you have been directed to Ralph "Keilly".  That record gives his dates (over 21 years) and his dates so the medals should follow although you should check which engagement the 81st Foot took part in.

See also http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=790892.0
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=791123