An India Medal 1849-95 to Lieutenant (later Major) George Christopher M'Dowell Birdwood

An India Medal 1849-95 to Lieutenant (later Major) George Christopher M'Dowell Birdwood, 1st Bombay Lancers, 2 clasps: Burma 1885-7, Burma 1887-89 (Lieut. G. C. Mc. D. Birdwood 1st Bombay Lcrs), good very fine or better; with corresponding dress miniature, extremely fine. [2]

Originally commissioned Lieutenant, North Staffordshire Regiment, 9th September 1882; then Staff Corps and 1st Bombay Lancers; Squadron Officer and Adjutant, 1st October 1886; Captain, 9th September 1893; Major, 10th July 1901. Superintendent of Remount Depot, Hosur; also served with the Tirah Expedition of 1898 under Sir William Lockhart as Orderly Officer 2nd Division (mentioned in despatches).

Although engraved as "Mc D" on the medal, this officer's third name is consistently spelled "M'Dowell" in the Army Lists. The patronymic form, and the family provenance of the medal, suggest a connection with Midshipman H.J. Dowell (see lot 1015)