Sutlej, Aliwal, clasp Sobraon – 50th Regiment, Killed in Action at Sobraon.

Description Sutlej, Aliwal, clasp Sobraon – 50th Regiment, Killed in Action at Sobraon. Sutlej 1845-46 (Rev, Aliwal) clasp, Sobraon, Felix Matthews 50th regt. Felix Matthews is recorded as having being Killed in Action at Sobraon on the 10th February 1846. By early 1846, the Sikh Army had retreated behind a massive, semi-circular series of entrenchments on the banks of the Sutlej River. These weren’t just simple ditches; they were formidable earthworks defended by heavy artillery and some of the finest disciplined infantry in Asia. The British Commander-in-Chief, Sir Hugh Gough, decided on a frontal assault. The 50th Regiment was placed in the Second Brigade of Sir Robert Dick’s division, positioned on the British left flank. Their objective was the strongest part of the Sikh line. The battle began with a thunderous artillery duel, but it soon became clear that British guns couldn’t dislodge the Sikhs from their ramparts. The order was given: the infantry would take the works by the bayonet. As the 50th advanced, they were met by a “perfect storm” of musketry and grape shot. The regiment had to navigate broken ground and ditches while under constant fire. When they reached the Sikh ramparts, the fighting turned into a visceral, hand-to-hand struggle. The 50th was among the first to crest the works. Because the Sikh defenses were so high, the soldiers often had to climb on each other’s shoulders to reach the top, where they were met by Khalsa soldiers who fought with “desperate bravery,” refusing to yield even an inch of ground. The Turning Point Despite the carnage, the 50th and their comrades in the 10th and 80th Regiments managed to find a gap. Once they forced their way into the interior of the camp, the Sikh defense began to crumble from the inside out. The regiment pushed the defenders back toward the Sutlej, where the collapsing bridge of boats turned the Sikh retreat into a tragedy. The 50th paid a staggering price for their gallantry at Sobraon. By the time the “Cease Fire” sounded. The regiment had suffered nearly 200 casualties, including 12 officers. They had lost their commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas Penny, who was severely wounded while leading the charge. This followed heavy losses earlier in the campaign at Moodkee, Ferozeshah, and Aliwal. By the end of the Sutlej campaign, the 50th had lost more men and officers than almost any other unit in the army. Condition – VF, some surface marks and an edge nick.