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Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 22

India General Service 1854-95, 2 clasps, Looshai, Bhootan (Sepoy Run Sing Cusrut 44th Regt. N.I.), clasps mounted in this order, very fine

Bhutan 1864-66

The 44th (Sylhet) Light Infantry formed part of the Right Centre Column of the Duar Field Force, which advanced into Bhootan in early January 1865 and occupied its objective, Bissengiri, a distance of forty-two miles over a very difficult route, with paths having to be frequently cut through dense jungle, without any opposition. With the overall annexation having been apparently accomplished, orders were issued for the breaking up of the Duar Field Force. Suddenly, and when least expected, the Bhutanese attacked the line of hill posts occupied by the Field Force. However, the attack on Bissengiri, occupied by a detachment of the 44th (Sylhet) Light Infantry was repulsed without too much difficulty.

Following news of these attacks, immediate steps were taken to recover the lost posts and strengthen the posts still held. Two Brigades were formed, to which the 44th (Sylhet) Light Infantry was assigned to the Right Brigade. On late March 1865, the Right Brigade commenced operations for the recapture of the post at Dewangiri, which was achieved at the beginning of April 1865. The 44th (Sylhet) Light Infantry reportedly did good service in this action, with Sepoy Bakhat Sing Rai (44th) being one of the first men into the stockade and capturing one of the enemy's standards, for which he was awarded the Indian Order of Merit.

During the subsequent re-occupation of the Bhutan Frontier in 1865, the troops suffered terribly from the deadly climate of the Terai. So heavy were the losses from fever that the 44th were ordered to Gauhati to recuperate.

Looshai Expedition 1871-72

Before the Looshai Expedition 1871-2, the 44th (Sylhet) Light Infantry had previously taken part in minor operations in the Lushai country in January 1869 and February 1871. The first had to be abandoned owing to unusually early rains. The second is of interest owing to the fact that two companies of the 44th marched eighty miles in seventy-two hours to relieve a besieged post.

The 44th (Sylhet) Light Infantry, comprising 500 men, formed part of the Cachar Column of the Looshai Expedition 1871-2, which left Cachar on 21st November 1871, and initially advanced without meeting any opposition for some sixty miles. Thereafter, the Column was continually harassed resulting in several villages being destroyed. In late January 1872, a wing of the 44th had a sharp engagement with the Lushai chief and his following, who were holding a difficult pass through densely wooded and mountainous country leading to the chief's village. The enemy were badly beaten, leaving a great number of dead behind and their village of some five hundred houses was burnt. Subsequent operations produced very slight resistance, the Lushais generally being disinclined for further hostilities. Peace was concluded late February 1872 and the 44th returned to Shillong, having lost 43 men during this small campaign conducted in most difficult country.


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Sold for
£250

Starting price
£100