The Sutlej campaign medal to Sergeant-Major John Cantwell, 50th Regiment, killed in action at Sobraon at the moment of victory having captured a Sikh standard

Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee 1845, 3 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal, Sobraon (Color Serjt. John Cantwell, 50th Regt.) slight edge bruising, very fine £3500-4000

From the collection of Miss Clarke, Glendining, October 1912 and ex Brian Ritchie Collection, Part III, D.N.W. 23 September 2005, lot 48.

H.M’s 50th Regiment of Foot took two Sikh standards at Ferozeshuhur on 21-22 December 1845. Sergeant-Major Cantwell, it is said, took a third at Sobraon on 10 February 1846, but at the cost of his life.

The regimental history of 1895 records: ‘A third was afterwards captured, and probably by Sergeant-Major Cantwell, at Sobraon. The Orderly Room Records say: “Sergeant-Major Cantwell much distinguished himself but was killed at the moment of victory when the regiment was entering the trenches,” and a paper at the War Office adds, “and just as he captured a standard from the enemy.’

Sergeant Godwin, one of the few survivors of this glorious campaign, does not remember a standard being taken. He adds, “Sergeant-Major Cantwell was found killed and stripped at the river side.” This is not incompatible, however, with the narrative of his capturing the standard, as he would have confided it to an escort: or with that of his being killed at the moment of victory, for he would have been one of the first men into the trenches, and would have followed up the retreating enemy.

These three standards for many years decorated the regimental mess room; but in course of time very little of the colours remained, and the author of this work, when in command of the Regiment, had them mounted in an air-tight case with a glass front, the frame of which is made from their own flag-staffs and ornamented with the Crown and Sphinx, and the Kentish horse in silver, with an inscription at the base. This now hangs in All Saint’s Church, Maidstone, where the old Crimean colours have also found an honourable resting place.’

In early December, 1848, Lord Gough presented ‘a splendid cup’ to the 50th Regiment, the gift of Prince Waldemar of Prussia, who was attached to the regiment through the greater part of the Sutlej campaign. The cup was presented at a mess dinner at Dover Castle, and was thus described by the Dover Telegraph at the time:

‘The cup is of elegant form, about 24 inches in height, and weighs about 150 ounces. The foot, of silver gilt, is formed of the trunk of the palm tree, and upon a cluster of palm leaves, surrounding its upper part, is embedded the vase: this is of frosted silver, and upon its surface, exquisitely chased in basso relievo, are two scenes - the one of the battle of Sobraon, at the instant the 50th Regiment had charged the works, and succeeded in placing the regimental colours on their summit, and at the same instant that Sergeant-Major Cantwell, who bravely bore them was shot, and fell in the arms of victory. The works also display the Sikh banner, which was afterwards captured, and adorned the room. The second incident or scene is taken at the instant when, at the battle of Ferozeshah, the Sikh forces were yielding, and Doctor Hoffmeister, the medical attendant of Prince Waldemar, fell. The cover is of burnished silver, and reposing upon the lid are the sleeping lions of the Punjaub, the whole being surmounted by a complete set of chieftans’ chain armour, modelled from that belonging to a captured Sirdar. The shield, the lance, the surcoat, and helmet, are all executed with the most exquisite correctness and delicacy. Round the margin of the vase is engraved: “This goblet is presented by His Royal Highness Prince Waldemar of Prussia, as a token of remembrance of the happy days spent amongst the officers of the 50th Regiment at Loodiana, and the following glorious campaign of the Sutlej.”’

Ref: The History of the 50th or (The Queen’s Own) Regiment, by Colonel Fyler. Sold with copied research.