Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 18001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 114

A fine storming party Officer's India General Service 1854-95 Medal awarded to Lieutenant H. J. R. Low, 40th Bengal Native Infantry

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (Lieut. Hy. J. R. Low. 40th Regt. N.I.), very fine

Henry John Revell Low was commissioned Ensign in the 40th Bengal Native Infatry in 1851, promoted Lieutenant in 1853, and served with them during the Pegu operations. Low was present with the two Companies of 40th Bengal Native Infantry who served in the centre of the First Raiding Brigade which landed at Rangoon in April 1853, flanked by the 18th Royal Irish to their right and 51st Light Infantry to the left.

Low would also have performed valuable service at the storming of the Great Dagon Pagoda. A fiercely protected bastion, the spectacular 14th century pagoda was defended by cannon over its three main tiers, in addition to being protected by a brick and mud rampart. The force chosen to storm the Pagoda comprised two Companies of the 40th Bengal Native Infatry, two Companies of the 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment and a detachement of the 80th Foot. An approach march having been made before dawn through jungle, the ranks of the storming party readied themselves for the attack. James Jones's History of the South Staffordshire Regiment (1705-1923) takes up the story:

'The distance to be covered in the advance to the eastern entrance of the Pagoda was 800 yards. The troops crossed steadily under a heavy fire from the walls crowded with the enemy. When the storming party reached the Pagoda steps, a rush was made for the upper terrace, and a deafening cheer told that the Pagoda was won. The enemy evacuated the place in great confusion, and were severely handled by the troops and the fire from the steamers on the river.'

Low retired to England in June 1853.

Reference sources:
Bruce, George, The Burma Wars 1824-1886 (Hart-Davis, MacGibbon, London, 1973).
Jones, James P., A History of the South Staffordshire Regiment (1705-1923) (Whitehead Brothers, Wolverhampton, 1923).
Parritt, Brigadier Brian, A Dangerous Game, British Colonial Warfare on the Sub-Continent 1854-95 (Loose End Publishing, 2010).

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£400