Punjab Medal 1848-49. With 2 x clasps 'Chilianwala' & 'Goojerat' (Sowar Shaik Niraz Ahmud 9th I C)

The recipient Shaik Niraz Ahmud was an Indian soldier of the Mussalman faith who held the rank of 'Sowar' (Trooper) while serving with the 9th Irregular Cavalry of the Honourable East India Company's Bengal Presidency Army

9th Regiment of Irregular Cavalry (Bengal): The regiment had it's origins in the 1st Shah Shuja's Cavalry Regiment, raised by the British as the cavalry component of the 'Shah Shuja Force' and saw considerable service during the 1st Afghan War. The regiment became known as 'Christies Horse' and then as 'Chamberlain's Horse', in reflection of successive British commanding officer's. In 1844 the unit formally became part of the Bengal Army establishment when it was styled as the '9th Bengal Irregular Cavalry. By 1856, there were 18 x 'Irregular' cavalry regiments in the Bengal Army, all of which were 'Sillidar' units with the native ranks supplying their own horses, and with much smaller British Officer establishments. Circa 1850 the establishment of the entire 'Irregular Cavalry' corps was 10,500 x 'All-Ranks', with each regiment having just 3 x British Officers and 1 x Surgeon. The 9th Irregular Cavalry regiment was heavily involved during both Anglo-Sikh wars of 1844-45 & 1848-49 and received the below following 6 x battle honours:

- Moodkee
- Ferozeshuhur
- Sobraon
- Punjaub
- Chilianwala
- Mooltan

During the Indian Mutiny, elements of the regiment mutinied at Sitapur, but most remained 'loyal'. Notwithstanding the loyalty and services of the majority of native all-ranks during the 'Great Mutiny' - with 8 x Indian Order's of Merit awarded - the regiment was, with the majority of the remaining pre-Mutiny 'Irregular Cavalry' disbanded in 1861

Condition: About EF

Code: 26169