Orders, Decorations and Medals

Sutlej 1845-46, for Ferozeshuhur 1845, 2 clasps, Aliwal, Sobraon (Lieut. F. A. Williamson, 63rd Regt. N.I.) fitted with silver ribbon buckle, nearly very fine £500-600

Francis Alexander Williamson was born in Edinburgh on 19 July 1806, son of Joseph Williamson, principal clerk to the Court of Teinds. He arrived in India in January 1826 where he was posted as Ensign to the 63rd Bengal Native Infantry, becoming Lieutenant in January 1829. He was appointed officiating Interpreter and Quartermaster to the 63rd N.I. in July 1829, this appointment becoming permanent from August 1831 until December 1847. He was present at the reduction of Jhansi in 1838-39, and with the Army of Reserve for Afghanistan from October 1842 until January 1843. He served in the Sikh wars of 1845-46, attached to the Commissariat Department of the Artillery and Cavalry of the Army of the Sutlej, and was engaged at the battles of Buddiwal, Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal, and Sobraon. For his services at Aliwal he was thanked by Sir Harry Smith in his despatch dated Camp Field of Battle of Aliwal, 30th January, 1846, “I have every reason to be satisfied with the commissariat arrangements under Captains Mainwaring and Williamson.” Williamson received the Brevet of Captain and was awarded the medal with two clasps. His rank was confirmed in December 1847 and he received the Brevet rank of Major in November 1851 whilst acting as Interpreter and Quartermaster to his regiment. Major Williamson died at Mussoorie on 17 April 1855.