Description
Sutlej Medal, for Aliwal, bar Sobraon, William Smith, 16th Lancers, in the famous Charge at Aliwal against a force 10 times their size.
The Royal Lancers Association, article on the charge at Aliwal, and a magnificent painting
Officially impressed: “Wm Smith 16th Lancers”
Some pitting present from wear alongside his Marahajpoor Star.
With full copy service papers, for the only “William Smith” of the 16th Lancers who claimed his pension and has records in WO97, pitting also matches those of a Maharajpoor Veteran.
William was a 21 year veteran of the Army, spending 16 years 7 months of that in the “East Indies.”
He first served in the 16th Lancers when he rode at both “In the action at Maharajpore in December 1843 and at Aliwal and Sobraon in 1846.”
Transferring to the 9th Lancers in 1848, as the 16th Lancers were returning home, a few chose to volunteer to remain when during the Indian Mutiny: “Served in the Campaign in Oude in 1858-59 and was present at the Passage of the Gogra on 25th November 1858 and the affairs at Mutchleegaon on 6th December 1858 and Kumbda Kothi on 4th January 1859.”
He was with the 1 Squadron of the 9th Lancers, sent to close out the Mutiny in the “Nepalese Frontier”, taking part in the passage of the Gogra, they would fight in the final Battle of the war for the 9th Lancers at “Kumdakote” or Kumdha Kothi.
The 9th Lancers earned about 13 Victoria Crosses during the Mutiny. He was discharged shortly afterwards, receiving a medical discharge from long service as well as having been missing his left thumb from an occasion during the Mutiny when he was “Attacked by some Natives.”
Full Entitlement:
Maharajpore Star 1843, 16th Lancers
Sutlej, Aliwal, bar Sobraon, this Medal, 16th Lancers
India Mutiny, no bar, 9th Lancers.
His life and service:
Born in Andover Hampshire.
Attested for Service with the 16th Lancers on 6th October 1838 aged 20 years old.
Saw 21 years 73 days service, earning his discharge to pension after the Indian Mutiny.
16 years 7 months spent in the East Indies.
His conduct was said to have been good and he had no convictions by court martial.
Did not seem good enough to earn a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal though, having only had one good conduct badge.
Private William Smith is also noted on his medical records as having lost his left thumb, “Partial loss of left thumb as recorded – he says he was attacked by Natives, while walking out convalescent from disease when the accident referred to took place.”
