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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 49

Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee, 3 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal, Sobraon (Corpl. John Mc.Donell 50th. Regt.), good very fine

John McDonnell was born in 1804 at Cork and attested for the 50th Regiment of Foot, the 'Dirty Half Hundred' of Peninsula fame, on 29 November 1825. Promoted Corporal and Sergeant on 19 September 1827, he served in Burma in October 1841 training recruits, later transferring to Chinsula, Bengal in April 1842. Cholera claimed the lives of an Assistant Surgeon and 74 other ranks. At this time, McDonnell was lucky to escape.

Towards the end of 1843, the Regiment was to have its first experience of service under 'fire eater', Sir Hugh Gough, which culminated in the victories of Maharajpoor and Punniar (Star). Slightly wounded at Ferozeshuhur, he was present at Aliwal and Sobraon, receiving a gunshot wound to the face at the latter, one of 184 other ranks wounded in the battle. Discharged at Chatham on 13 August 1847, he was placed on a pension of 1s 6d per day; sold with copied service papers and detailed research.


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Sold for
£1,500