Full medal write up
PUNNIAR STAR 1843 ‘PRIVATE ROBERT COLE H.M. 9TH OR QUEEN’S ROYAL LANCERS’
Sergeant Robert Coles aged 18 from Bentley, Hampshire, enlisted into the 1st Dragoon Guards on 21st February 1841. Transferring to the 9th Lancers on 1st April 1842 and on 1st January 1845, he transferred to the 3rd Light Dragoons. Promoted Corporal on 29th March 1847 and Sergeant on 23rd December 1850, he was finally discharged on 2nd March 1865. Coles saw a good deal of action during his service, according to his service record:
‘East indies from 11th Sept 1842 to 3rd Feb 1853, was present and the battle of Punniar 29th dec 1843, battles of Moodkee 18th & Feroshah 21st & 22nd Dec 1845 also at Sobraon 10th Feb 1846 with the army of the Sutlege. At Rammugger 22nd Nov, the passage of the Chenab 2nd Dec & the actions of Sadoolahose 3rd Dec 1848. Chillianwalla 13th Jan & Goojerat 21st Feb 1849’
Coles would have additionally been entitled to the Sutlej and Punjab medals, along with the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
Condition VF, fitted with later back strap, and hinge suspension.