NAM.2017-12-30-1

Lt Col Alexander Pope CB (1787-1849), 10th Bengal Light Cavalry, 1845 (c). Miniature portrait on ivory, attributed to Jivan Ram (fl. 1825-45), 1845 (c). In an acorn frame with a gilt slip. Pope’s career was by no means glorious, and he is best remembered for his role at the Battle of Chilianwala on 13 January 1849, where in the first major battle of the 2nd Sikh War (1848-1849), he very nearly brought about a British defeat. By then somewhat infirm, Pope was brigadier commanding the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. After difficulties in organising his cavalry to face in the right direction, Pope gave an indistinct instruction which was interpreted as ordering a retreat: the brigade's flight was just halted by an Army chaplain, and led to the capture of British artillery by the Sikh forces. In this portrait Pope wears the breast badge of a Companion of the Bath (CB) which he was awarded in 1844, and the Gwalior Star of 1843 (though the ribbon colours are not quite in the right order). In 1845 he was serving with the 10th Bengal Light Cavalry.

Chilianwala, Battle of, 1849 (2nd Sikh War 1848-1849)