The scarce Sutlej Medal (Moodkee) w/clasps Ferozeshuhur and Sobaron to Staff Sergeant John Brown, who served in Australia from 1836 and later saw active service during the First Sikh War in India.

 

John Brown, a labourer from the vilage of Tittishall, Norfolk, attested for service in King George IV's 80th Regiment of Foot on 16th November 1825. By 1833 he had risen to the rank of corporal, but in July of that year he was found "drunk in charge of a prisoner" and reduced the rank of private. Brown was clearly a capable soldier, and in early 1835 he was promoted to corporal, and in June 1837 was promoted to sergeant. Sometime that year Brown embarked for New South Wales, almost certainly on a convict ship transporting prisoners to the far-flung colony, and he appears on the muster roll at Port Macquarie in January 1838. During December 1837 and January there were a series of violent clashes between Mounted Police - drawn from the ranks of the 80th Regiment, settlers and the Aboriginal Gamilaraay people. In January, near Moree, one particular action saw numerous indigenous Gamilaraay people killed by government forces in what became known as the Waterloo Creek Massacre. There is no evidence Brown was involved in these horrendous acts, but he is associated with them by virtue of his service with the 80th Regiment.

 

After six years service in New South Wales, Brown and the 80th Regiment were posted to India, and August 1845 he was promoted to sergeant-major. Brown served with his regiment at the battles of Mudki and Ferozeshah in December 1845 and at the Battle of Sobraon in February 1846. He is confirmed on the medal roll, and is the highest non-commissioned rank on the roll.

 

The climate and sanitory conditions in India finally broke Brown's health and he was medically discharged at Chatham in June 1847.

 

The medal is correctly hand impressed STAFF SERGt JOHN BROWN 80th REGt.

 

Copy service papers available. This is an excellent medal to a man connected to the days of convicts and colonisation of New South Wales, Australia.