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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 30

The Punjab Medal awarded to Private H. Pearce, 14th Light Dragoons, who was later twice wounded during the Indian Mutiny - notably at the Battle of Betwa, a V.C.-winning engagement for the Regiment

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Goojerat, Chilianwala (Henry Pearce. 14th Lt Dragns), some light edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise very fine

Henry Pearce was born at Feltham, Hounslow in 1824 and enlisted with the 14th Light Dragoons on 30 June 1846 with the service number 1465. Present for the Second Anglo-Sikh War he was at the Affair of Ramnagar and the Battles of Chilianwala and Goojerat. Joining the Army of the Punjab in their advance up the Khyber they occupied Attock and Peshwar, forcing the Afghans to quit the country.

His service papers state that he was present for the Persian Expedition of 1857 although his name has yet to be identified upon the roll entitling him to the I.G.S.M. with Persia clasp. Later under the command of Sir Hugh Rose, Pearce took part in the campaign in Central India. His service papers note a string of actions and sieges between 1857-58, most notably Betwa and Koonch. In the first, an action in which Captain James Leith, 14th Light Dragoons was awarded the V.C., Pearce is noted as suffering a sword wound to the right hand. During the second action he suffered a wound to the same hand, although whether this was a sword wound or some other injury is not recorded.

Pearce was later discharged on 3 May 1864; sold together with copied medal roll and service papers.

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Sold for
£380

Starting price
£210