NAM.1962-03-40-1

Soup plate, 33rd Bengal Native Infantry, 1842-1861 (c). Made by Crameld and Beckitt, Piccadilly, London. White earthenware, with overglaze painted decoration. In the centre, crossed columns over a deep blue gold and orange edged shield-shaped cartouche, with a gold numeral between scrolling flourishes above initials. The whole surmounted by crossed colours and a monarchial crown between gold and blue ribboned laurel sprays. Broad deep blue border with inner gold floral scrolled border and outer slightly scalloped gold rims, bearing, in gold characters spaced equidistant, each above ribboned laurel sprays, battle honours. No officers’ mess was complete without a commemorative dinner service. The 33rd [Bengal] Native Infantry formed the rearguard of General Sir George Pollock’s ‘Army of Retribution’, and was instrumental in his victory at Tezeen in September 1842. This plate marks the 33rd's participation in the Battle of Kabul. ‘Laswarie’ and ‘Bhurtpoor’ are honours for earlier campaigns. Associated with the 1st Afghan War (1838-1842).

Kabul, Retreat from, 1842 (1st Afghan War 1838-1842)