Sutlej Medal 1845-46. No clasp with 'Moodkee' reverse (Sepoy. Bodhee Koormie, 2nd N.I.)

The medal with officially impressed naming, as issued

The recipient was an Indian soldier of the Hindu faith who held the rank of 'Sepoy' (Private) while serving with the 2nd Battalion Native Infantry of the Honourable East India Company's Bengal Presidency Army

Raised in 176, as the 8th Battalion Bengal Native Infantry, the regiment underwent several re-stylings and name changes through to 1824 in which year it was re-styled as 2nd Regiment Bengal Native Infantry. The 'Grenadiers' did not join the 'Great Mutiny' in 1857, and there were no collective or individual overt mutinous acts recorded. Be that as it may, due to well grounded fears and suspicion with regards to the loyalty of the regiment, as a precaution the regiment was
'disarmed', early during the Mutiny, and played no part in the fighting. Immediately following the suppression of the Great Mutiny, the regiment were not restored their arms. In 1859, at Barrackpore Cantonment, 84 x men of the regiment were found to be of bad or indifferent character and dismissed from the service, and the decision was taken to disband the regiment

Reference 'The Friend of India' newspaper issue of 15 September 1859, for an exhaustive account of the disbandment of the regiment at Barrackpore, in 1859, from which we are below only quoting the summary of the regiments services:

Quote,

The 2nd Native Infantry (Grenadiers.,) - This Regiment is one of the oldest in the Bengal Army. It was raised in 1762, and during nearly a century, it has occupied an honourable position in the Line. In Oct 764, within two years of its formation, it took part in the Battle of Buxar, it was employed in the campaigns in Guzerat from 1778 to 1784: It was greatly distinguished in the successful Defence of Candahar in 1842, and at the Capture of Ghuznee and of Cabool in the same year; it won for itself an 'Honorary Color', on which the word "Ghuznee", and the distinction of being made a Grenadier Regiment; it was engaged in the Battle of Maharajpore in 1843, and in the actions at Moodkee and Ferozeshuhur in 1845. It bears all these honorable names on its Colors.

Unquote.

A scarce seen surviving Sutlej Medal to a distinguished regiment of the Honourable East India Company's Bengal Army

Condition: Mild toned about GVF

Code: 24531