Full medal write up
INDIA GENERAL SERVICE 1895-1902, 2 CLASPS, PUNJAB FRONTIER 1897-98, TIRAH 1897-98 ‘4620 PTE. J. STRICKLAND 1ST. BN. DORSET REGT.’
James Strickland attested for the Dorsetshire Regiment, and served with the 1st Battalion as part of the Tirah Expeditionary Force on the North West Frontier of India. He was severely wounded by gunshot to the foot at Saran Sar on 9 November 1897, and was invalided on 7 March 1898. He died in Gillingham, Dorset, on 29 February 1960.
“On 9th November 1897, a reconnaissance was mounted to Saran Sar, to survey the area prior to an advance into the Bara valley. The reconnaissance force, commanded by General Westmacott, comprised 1st Dorsets, 1st Northamptons, 15th Sikh Infantry, 36th Sikh Infantry, Nos 5 and 8 Mountain Gun Batteries and No 4 Co Madras Sappers and Miners. This force marched out of Maidan Camp at 7am on 9th November 1897 heading east for the Saran Sar Mountain.
Within two miles of camp the British force encountered opposition from the tribesmen and dispositions were made for the assault on Saran Sar. The Dorsets were directed to advance on the left flank, up a spur to the north of Saran Sar Mountain, while the Northamptons and Sappers advanced up Saran Sar, supported by the 36th Sikhs on the right. The gun batteries marched to the top of the conical hill at the bottom of the mountain, escorted by the 15th Sikhs. Tribesmen, occupying well-built sangars at the end of the nullah, opened rifle-fire on the Northamptons as they debouched from the nullah and began to climb the mountain……………….
SEE PDF FOR FULL WRITE UP
Condition NEF. A fine Saran Sar casualty medal.