Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Punjab 1848-49, 1 clasp, Chilianwala (J. Collins, 3rd Lt. Dragns.) nearly extremely fine £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 3rd King’s Own Light Dragoons.

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James Collins was killed in action at Chilianwala, 13 January 1849, one of 24 men of the 3rd Light Dragoons to be killed.

‘At Chilianwala the Cavalry on the [British] left were principally occupied in protecting the flank of Campbell’s Division, but the grey squadron of the 3rd Light Dragoons and the 5th Light Cavalry had an opportunity of executing a charge on a portion of the Sikh right, which in the case of the former was delivered with great gallantry and effect, though at the expense of many lives. The 5th Light Cavalry, being much broken in getting through the scrub, and coming under a severe fire of musketry, were unable to make an impression, and suffered a repulse.’