Medals from the Collection of Brigadier Brian Parritt, C.B.E.

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Bhootan (Capt. F. Allen, 18th N.I.) slight mark on ‘Queen’s’ cheek, otherwise good very fine £360-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Brigadier Brian Parritt, C.B.E..

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Frederic Allen received his first commission in the 42nd Native Infantry on 20 September 1852 but then transferred to the 18th N.I. He was promoted to Lieutenant in August 1854 and as an acting Captain, he served in the Bhootan campaign of 1864-66. In 1865 the 18th N.I. formed part of the ‘Left Brigade’ under the command of General J. M. B. F. Tytler. The 18th and 19th N.I. led an attack on the enemy stronghold, a fort on the Bala Pass. General Tytler said that it was ‘The finest rush he had ever seen .... on arriving at the fort, which was palisaded to a height of twenty-eight feet, the troops swarmed up, sword in hand and killed the men who formed the garrison.’ The Bhootanese loss was 46, whilst the Indian regiments lost three killed and one officer and 19 wounded. Allen was promoted to Captain in September 1866, Major in September 1872 and Lieutenant-Colonel in September 1878. He attained the rank of Colonel and Commandant of the 18th Native Infantry in October 1881. Sold with some copied research.