Description
Punniar Star 29th December 1843, Sutlej Medal 1845-6, reverse for Sobraon, Private George Sinfield, H.M. 9th Lancers.
Punniar Star officially engraved on reverse in running script: “Private George Sinfield H.M. 9th Queens Royal Lancers.”
Sutlej officially impressed: “Geo: Sinfield 9th Lancers.”
Medals mounted together for wear on old silk ribbons.
Confirmed on the Royal Lancers Museum Roll for service at Punniar and Sutlej fighting at Sobraon.
He also took part in the upcoming Punjab Anglo Sikh War of 1848-9, earning the medal and 2 clasps for Goojerat and Chilianwala, where at Goojerat, the 9th Lancers made a very successful charge against the Sikh Infantry capturing 2 standards.
George was born circa 1821 and likely joined the regiment about 1842, being absent from the previous years 1841 Army Census.
During 1842 the 9th Lancers were posted over to India and were not due to return for many years.
Not long after there arrival they fought in the Gwalior War of 1843, where they took part in the Battle of Punniar on 29th December 1843, which earned them this star, made from the same melted down cannons they captured during the battle.
The 9th Lancers then took part in the Anglo-Sikh “Sutlej” War of 1845-6, where they fought in the penultimate Battle of Sobraon on 10th February 1846.
At the battle a rather amusing event was seen, Major Hope-Grant, later to be Major General Sir James Hope Grant, of the 9th Lancers, during the battle accused his own Brigade Commander, Colonel Campbell, 9th Lancers, of being drunk during the battle, and threatened to arrest him.
In retaliation, Campbell who was his superior officer, then arrested Hope-Grant. The impasse was resolved by Lord Gough, who took no action to either officer. Hope-Grant who later became a legendary Cavalry Commander, Commanded the 9th Lancers in the Punjab War at Goojerat and Chilianwala.
Following on from the wars, Pte Sinfield remained in India on service with the 9th Lancers.
He died there aged 35, at Allahabad on 9th December 1856 of Diarrhoea being buried on the 10th by Lieut R. Mills of the 9th Lancers.
