Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Punjab campaign medal to Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Mercer, Commanding the 69th Bengal Native Infantry, awarded the C.B. for services during the Second Sikh War

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (Lieut. Col. A. Mercer, Commg. 69th Bengal N.I.) very fine £700-900

Alexander Mercer was born in London in 1800. He joined the Bengal Army as an Ensign in July 1818, becoming Lieutenant in August 1818, and Captain in April 1836. His early service was spent with the 53rd and 70th regiments of Bengal Native Infantry. Promoted to Major in March 1841, he took temporary command of the 2nd Oudh Local Infantry in January 1842, and succeeded to the command of the 70th N.I. in October 1842. Mercer commanded the right wing of this regiment in the Gwalior campaign and was present at the battle of Maharajpoor (Bronze star). Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in March 1847, he transferred to the 69th N.I. in 1848 and commanded this regiment throughout the Second Sikh War, including the actions at Chilianwala and Goojerat (Medal with 2 clasps). For his services in this campaign he was made a Companion of the Bath (London Gazette 7 June 1849). He held command of the 1st European Fusiliers, Right Wing, for a period in 1849, before transferring to the command of the 63rd N.I. in November of that same year. Lieutenant-Colonel Mercer was on furlough in England from February 1850, until his death in London on 12 November 1852.