Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Punniar Star 1843 (Corporal William Smith, 50th Queen’s Own Regt.) fitted with replacement brass suspension bar, very fine £350-400

William Smith was born in the Parish of St Margaret’s, Leicester, and enlisted at Chatham Depot on 8 August 1838, being sent to India to join his regiment shortly afterwards. Promoted to Corporal in October 1842, he served in that rank in the Gwalior campaign the following year. He was promoted to Sergeant in September 1845, in which rank he served at the battles of Moodkee, Ferozeshuhur and Aliwal, at which last battle he was wounded (Medal with 2 clasps). Reduced to Private in October 1846, he returned to England in August 1847, and was discharged at Preston on 15 October 1852.