Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Punjab Medal awarded to Colonel W. R. Cunningham, Indian Army, who commanded the 12th Irregular Cavalry at the battle of Goojerat and in the action at Ramnuggar

Punjab 1848-49, 1 clasp, Goojerat (Lieut. W. R. Cunningham, 12th Irregular Cavy.), minor edge nicks, better than very fine £600-800

William Robert Cunningham was born in India in July 1819, the eldest son of Major William Cunningham, H.I.E.C. Bengal Army and his wife Rebecca Cunningham. Young William returned home for his education, attended the Ayr Academy and gained a cadetship to study for entry into the Bengal Army in 1836.

Appointed an Ensign in the 70th Native Infantry in the following year, he qualified as an interpreter and was present with the 6th Native Infantry in operations under General Pollock during the First Afghan War (Medal). Having then been advanced to Lieutenant, he took command of the 12th Irregular Cavalry in 1848 and was present at Goojerat and in the action at Ramnuggar, in addition to the pursuit of the Afghans to Peshawur (Medal & clasp).

Cunningham, who was on extended furlough in England at the time of the Indian Mutiny, was placed on the Retired List as a Major-General in April 1875 and died at Dunard Row, Dumbartonshire in September 1899; sold with copied research.