Portugal, Peninsular War Cross, 1808-14, Portuguese Pattern, for 5 battles, in gold and enamels, with gold straight bar suspension and old possibly original length of ribbon, 33.5mm width (Coll. Sir. John Browne 13th. Dr.), edge engraved in small upright capitals, some loss of green enamel to wreath, and minor chips and wear to blue enamel at centre, otherwise good very fine, and scarce Major-General Sir John Browne (also ‘Brown’), was born on 1 October 1777 in Dulwich, Surrey. Entering army service as a Cornet with the 6th Dragoons on 27 May 1795, he was promoted to Lieutenant on 17 May 1796, and to Captain on 1 June that same year. Some years later he took part in the expedition to South America under Lieutenant-General Whitelock as A.D.C. in the summer of 1807, but then transferred to the 8th Garrison Battalion on 10 November 1807. Now back in Europe, Browne served in the Peninsula War in Spain as D.A.A.G. during the campaign under Sir John Moore between 25 October to 1 December 1808, during which time he took up a captaincy with the 27th Foot on 17 August 1808. Taking up a position as Captain with the 27th Foot on 17 August 1808, in these early stages took part in the battles at Roleia, Vimiera, and the retreat to Coruna (with entitlement to a 3-clasp M.G.S.).After this, he volunteered to serve as an officer with the Portuguese Army, serving with the 13th Regiment, Portuguese Infantry as Lieutenant-Colonel (local rank) in 1810 and 1811, afterwards transferring to the 5th and 8th Portuguese Cavalry, attached to the Spanish Division under Lieutenant-General Mendizabel. He fought in the ‘surprise’ of 200 French Cavalry at Fuente-los-Cantos, during the retreat to Badajoz, and the retreat from Badajos to Elvas, during which time he received five wounds in action on 18 February 1811, and was recognised for distinguished conduct:‘In the surprise of French Cavalry at Fuente-los-Cantos, and Retreat to Badajos, noticed in Division Orders, by Order of Lt. General Mendizabel. In retiring from Badajos to Elvas. In attempting to save a Spanish brigade under the Command of Lt. General Don Carlos D’Hispanha – and for which conduct received that General’s written thanks’ (‘A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. VIII’ by John A. Hall, refers).He later received a knighthood at the recommendation of The Duke of Wellington, as well as being made a Knight of the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword and the Spanish Order of Carlos III, for services to the Portuguese and Spanish armies respectively. He continued to serve abroad until early 1815, and was later joined the 13th Light Dragoons, being appointed Lieutenant-Colonel on 9 May 1820. He was made Commandant at Maidstone, and was promoted to Major-General in his latter years before retiring to Bath.One of a reported 4 such medals awarded for 5 battles or actions (‘The Gold Collars, Medals And Crosses Granted To British Officers By The Crown Of Portugal In The Peninsular War’ By Charles Winter, refers). M.G.S. Ex Hayward, January 1974.

Estimate: GBP 1500 - 2000