23rd Sikh Pioneers Collection (SOLD)

Twelve photographs including a seated portrait of Arthur Wallace Dunlop with attendants and Sikh Regimental photos. 29.3 x 19 cm

Provenance
Purchased from descendants of Major Arthur Wallace Dunlop, 23rd Sikh Pioneers (1866-1937).

The 23rd Sikh Pioneers can trace their origins back to 1857, when they were known as the 15th Regiment of Punjab Infantry. Their battle honours include the Battles of Taku Forts (1858 and 1860), the Battle of Palikao in the Second Opium War, the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia and the battles of Peiwar Kotal and Charasiab during the Second Afghan War in 1878.

Shortly after being promoted to Major, Alfred Wallace Dunlop, along with the 23rd Sikh Pioneers, took part in the British Exhibition to Tibet, and was present at the Massacre at Chumik Shenko, where he was wounded in the front line.

This group of photographs from his collection comprises a number of rare regimental group portraits depicting some highly decorated British and Sikh officers. One soldier wears the Indian Order of Merit, a gallantry medal available to native soldiers between 1837-1907 prior to the introduction of the Distinguished Service Medal and the Victoria Cross being made available to Indian soldiers in 1911. Two other soldiers wear the Order of British India. One rare group photograph depicts officers from numerous Sikh regiments beneath trees. Another group photograph which includes a dog is published in George Macmunn, The History of the Sikh Pioneers (23rd, 32nd, 34th), London, 1933.