Sutlej 1845-46 for Sobraon 1846, 1 unofficial clasp, Subraon [sic] (Lieut. T: E: B: Lees 43rd R...

(x) Sutlej 1845-46 for Sobraon 1846, 1 unofficial clasp, Subraon [sic] (Lieut. T: E: B: Lees 43rd Regt L:I:), clasp fitted, very fine

Thomas Ellis Bridgman Lees was born 1820, the son of Reverend Sir Harcourt Lees, 2nd Baronet of Black Rock, Ireland and Sophia Lyster. His grandfather was Sir John Lees, Black Rod in Ireland from 1780-81. Lees was accepted as a Cadet in 1840 and graduated Ensign with 43rd Bengal Light Infantry in September 1840. Promoted Lieutenant on 24 January 1845 he took part in the Battle of the Sobraon the next year. The 43rd was stationed on the left of the British Line during this engagement and despite heavy fire their brigade succeeded in capturing the Sikh defences on the outskirts of the village. However they were driven back by overwhelming numbers, losing their hard won gains. Regardless of this they soon reformed and continued the engagement. The ferocious fighting in this portion of the battlefield resulted in the death of General Sir Robert Dick, the brigade commander. Lees survived the melee, continuing to serve with the 43rd Bengal Light Infantry and being advanced Captain on 23 November 1856. He married Janet Balfour on 10 March 1857 and was later appointed Second-In-Command of the 2nd Assam Light Infantry in June 1859. Finally posted to Bengal Staff Corps having been promoted Major, Lees died on 19 September 1865 at Nynee, India.

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