Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee 1845, 2 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Sobraon (Lieut. J. B. Hawkes, 3rd Lt. Dragns.), with contemporary silver riband buckle, minor contact marks and edge nicks, otherwise very fine £1200-1500

John Blackburne Hawkes was appointed a Cornet in the 3rd Light Dragoons in March 1838 and gained advancement to Lieutenant in September of the following year. He subsequently served with his regiment throughout the First Sikh War 1845-46, when he was present at the battles of Moodkee, Ferozeshuhur and Sobraon, his horse being shot from under him in the second named engagement, and himself wounded in the last on 10 February 1846. Hawkes, who was advanced to Captain in June 1854, saw no further active service, and was latterly employed as a Barrack Master at the Cape of Good Hope (his final appearance in Hart’s in the year 1866 refers).