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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 34

The Sutlej 1845-46 Medal awarded to Lieutenant J. Chester, who was wounded at the Battle of Sobraon

Sutlej 1845-46, Aliwal reverse, 1 clasp, Sobraon (Lieut John Chester 53rd Regt), light contact marks and polishing, otherwise very fine

John St Leger (alias John Chester), was born with the name John Chester on 6 May 1823, the son of Lieutenant-General John Chester of the Royal Artillery. The surname Chester appears to have been assumed by his grandfather, and remained in the family until it was legally changed back to St Leger in 1863. As John Chester, St Leger served in the Sutlej campaign in the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot, where he was present for and reported wounded at the battle of Sobraon. The Adelaide Observer reported on the British victory at the Sutlej, and in the list of those killed or wounded made mention of 'Lieutenant John Chester of H. M. 53rd Foot, shot through the lungs and back'.

St Leger gained the rank of Corporal and after the end of the Sutlej campaign, transferred to the 85th Foot. After changing his name to St Leger in 1863, he became a magistrate for Norfolk and the West Riding of Yorkshire and held the office of Justice of the Peace. St Leger married Philippa Roper on 8 April 1858, with whom he shared six children. St Leger resided at Park Hill, Yorkshire, and later died on 9 August 1905.

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Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£600