Background
He was born in Barrackpore, India, the son of Doctor John Browne, a surgeon of the Bengal Medical Service and his wife Charlotte (née Swinton).
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Sam Browne
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Browne joined the 46th Bengal Native Infantry as a subaltern, participating with action at Ramnuggar, Sadoolapore, Chillianwalla and Gujarat. During 1849 he was made a lieutenant and tasked with raising a cavalry force, to be designated the 2nd Punjab Irregular Cavalry and later incorporated into the regular force. He would command this unit for the next five years.
Later (1904) the unit would be re-designated as the 22nd Sam Browne"s Cavalry (Frontier Force) in his honour.
Browne commanded the 2nd Punjab in several engagements, and was decorated for action during the Bozdar Expedition of 1857, being promoted to captain. His citation reads:
Sometime after this incident he began to wear the accoutrement which bears his name, as compensation for the difficulty his disability caused with wearing his officer"s sword.
A is a wide belt, usually leather, supported by a narrower strap passing diagonally over the right shoulder. The diagonal strap stabilizes the scabbard of a sword if worn.
Later such a belt would be adopted by other officers who knew Browne in India, but it was not to become used commonly by the British Army until after his retirement.
Browne"s original "Sam Browne" belt is possessed presently by the National Army Museum in Chelsea. Browne retired from the army during 1898, relocated to Ryde on the Isle of Wight, England, and died there at the age of 76. His remains were cremated but there is a memorial marker dedicated to Browne in the Ryde New Cemetery, as well as plaques at Street Paul"s Cathedral in London and Lahore Cathedral in India.
His grave was restored during 2010.
Achievements
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He was a British recipient of the Victoria Cross, the most prestigious award for gallantry in combat that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Browne was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions on 31 August 1858 at Seerporah, Rohilkhand, Uttar Pradesh, India. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum.
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Born
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Died
March 14, 1901 (aged 76) -
Nationality
United Kingdom
Awards
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Victoria Cross; Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour 'in the face of the enemy' to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour 'in the face of the enemy' to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.