Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 603

(x) Pair: Captain J. Fraser, 45th Bengal Native Infantry

Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee, 2 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Sobraon (Lieut. J: Fraser 45th Regt. N: I:); Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (Lieut. J. Fraser, 45th Bengal N.I.), the first with claw tightened, light scratches and edge wear, very fine (2)

John Fraser was born in June 1822 at the family estate of Balnain, Inverness-shire, the third son of Captain Thomas Fraser, 73rd Foot. Educated at King's College, Aberdeen, and Pension Pernot, Paris, he entered the Bengal Army as a Cadet at Addiscombe, passing his public examination on 23 September 1841. The next day he sailed for India aboard Walmer Castle, arriving at Fort William, Calcutta on 11 February 1842. On 12 May he entered the 45th Bengal Native Infantry as an Ensign, Benares being his first posting.

Stationed at Umballa in February 1845, the Regiment served under Sir Hugh Gough during the Sutlej campaign of 1845-46. Fraser took part in the British victory at Moodkee on 18 December (medal), and also the Battles of Ferozeshuhur and Sobraon (clasps). During the 1848-49 Punjab campaign he fought at Chilianwala and Goojerat (clasps). At Chilianwala on 13 January 1849, the Regiment advanced alongside the 24th Foot in a determined charge against an entrenched Sikh battery; Sir Colin Campbell reported that the troops advanced 'without firing a shot' (Farwell 2017, 55). Granted leave between 20 April and 15 October 1849, Fraser explored Simla and the hills north of Deyrah (GO 17 April 1849). Qualifying as an Interpreter, he was appointed Quartermaster of his Corps on 31 December.

Fraser returned to England on furlough on 21 February 1852. Promoted to Captain on 10 September 1852, he resigned from the service on 21 August 1854. He married Isabella Wilson, daughter of the Inverness banker James Wilson, in 1857. Appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Inverness-shire, he died in 1893. His lineage is traced back over 500 years in Alexander Mackenzie's History of the Frasers of Lovat (1900); sold with copied research.

Recommended reading:

Farwell, B., Queen Victoria's Little Wars, 4th Edition (Barnsley, 2017).



Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,400