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Auction: 18003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 57

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (Geo. Bayliss. 14th Lt. Dragns.), contact marks, suspension post bent, nearly very fine

George Bayliss was born at Hereford in 1817, gaining civilian employment as a tin-plate worker. He enlisted into the 14th (King's) Light Dragoons on 18 May 1836. The regiment was stationed in Ireland at the time, and was busily employed suppressing political riots in Dublin. Stationed at Hampton Court in 1839, the 14th acted as Prince Albert's escort for his marriage to Queen Victoria at St. James's Palace on 10 February 1840.

The 14th embarked for India at Gravesend in early 1841, and were stationed at Kirkee near Poona, 50 miles south-east of Bombay. During a review in February 1842, Bayliss's left leg was broken by a kick from a horse. In November 1845, at the start of the 1st Sikh War, the 14th marched 850 miles to Ambala in the foothills of the Himalayas. During this three-month trek, one officer and 17 men died of cholera. Herbert Gall, a Lieutenant in the 14th, caught the disease and was presumed dead. Just as he was prepared for burial, an orderly saw his lips moving and revived him with champagne. By the time the 14th reached Ambala, the 1st Sikh War was concluded with a British victory at Sobraon on 10 February 1846.

The peace concluded with the Sikh state under the Treaty of Lahore (1846) did not last, and the 14th Light Dragoons played a conspicuous role in the 2nd Sikh War (1848-49). Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel William Havelock, the 14th joined Sir Colin Campbell's force at Kela Dedar Singh. On 22 November 1848, Campbell attacked the main Sikh army at Ramnaggar on the River Chenab. The Chenab's banks were very soft, consisting of quicksand. The 14th advanced to save an abandoned British gun, which had become stuck near the river. Like the Light Brigade at Balaklava, the 14th charged in the wrong direction, towards the strongest part of the Sikh army. Under heavy fire from infantry and guns, the 14th galloped down a steep sandy bank. Though many horses stumbled, the 14th routed the Sikhs after a fierce mêlée in which Havelock lost his life.

At Chilianwala on 13 January 1849, the 14th fought in Pope's Cavalry Brigade with the main British army under General Gough. Pope was an elderly soldier who had never commanded more than a squadron. During the battle, his Brigade drifted in front of the British guns, blocking their field of fire. Instead of moving to the right and clearing a space, Pope gave the order: "Threes - About!" The Sikh cavalry interpreted this as a retreat, and charged headlong towards Pope's Brigade. After heavy losses, the British cavalry eventually repulsed their Sikh counterparts.

Bayliss was present at Goojerat on 21 February, the decisive battle of the 2nd Sikh War. The 14th now formed part of Lockwood's Cavalry Brigade, protecting Gough's right flank. Hoping to wipe away the stain of Chilianwalah, the 14th pursued Sikh and Afghan cavalry after victory had been achieved, receiving the Sikhs' surrender at Rawalpindi on 8 March and driving the Afghans into the Khyber Pass.

Bayliss was discharged at Newbridge, County Kildare on 21 July 1860, his Conduct described as 'Indifferent'. He never received a Good Conduct badge, and entered the Regimental Defaulter's Book seventeen times. He was twice tried by Court-Martial; sold with copied discharge papers.

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Sold for
£500