Profile Photo
Rob Pollock
195 articles

Sgt. McCabe, First Anglo-Sikh War, Sobraon, 1846

October 25, 2014 · in Figures · · 21 · 3.2K

Bernard McCabe occupies a special place in the history of the 31st Regiment.

As a Sergeant in the 31st Foot he displayed outstanding bravery at the Battle of Sobroan on 10th February 1846. When both officers carrying the Colours had been shot down he carried the Regimental Colour to the top of the Sikhs' Army ramparts, and by this action the Regiment was inspired to go over and through the defences, leading on to the final defeat of the Sikhs in the short, but very intense First Anglo-Sikh War.

Sergeant McCabe's action was subsequently recorded in the official painting portraying the Battle, while his gallantry is remembered each year on 'Sobraon Day' by the Battalions of the present Regiment. On this day each Battalion's Regimental Colour is formally handed over to a selected Sergeant, the 'Sobraon Sergeant', to be held in the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess for the day.


This is 120mm (1/16) resin figure, sculpted by Maurice Corry. It's also the last of three British 19th Century military figures that I brought back from Euromiltiaire in September.

Reader reactions:
6  Awesome

12 additional images. Click to enlarge.


21 responses

  1. Another stunner Rob, perfectly done ! Your articles also will improve my knowledge about military actions, centurys ago.
    Well done 🙂

  2. Thanks, Bernd. Despite the fact that many actions were in fact 'dirty little empire wars' it doesn't take away from acts of genuine individual heroism.

  3. Simply MAGNIFICENT Rob! Your attention to detail painting is absolutely SUPERB. Do you have an Anglo-Zulu or Anglo-Boer War figures? Would love to see more of your figures!

  4. Exquisite workmanship, sir...well done indeed.

  5. Fine figure there Rob, looks nice.
    Well done mate.

  6. Better & better Rob. Your work on that flag really has it leaping off the page.

    • Yes a little unusual in that the eyes are the usual focus, but in this case the peaked cap hides them, but the flag instead provides the focus as the symbol of the event. The flag is mainly yellow ochre (oils) with various washes with yellow ochre mixed with lamp back and titanium white; campaign banner lettering is hand-painted.

  7. Fantastic! Rob your art work is wonderful to behold. I think this one is my favorite, though I really like them all.
    Wowser!
    California Steve

  8. Outstanding Rob, your work on the flag is superb, you can hear it snapping in the wind.

  9. Another great job, Rob! The flag is the centerpiece that's for sure and stands out with your paint job. I like the movement in the lanyards and the gun strap as well. The ground work is nicely blended with the dirt on the trousers to show the kicked up dust in battle. Nice all over!

    • Thanks, Alan. I agree the flag makes the scene. The lanyards are (two) pieces of lead wire, painted scarlet and gold and then wound around each other, with the tassels fixed at the ends. The lead gives the ability to position the lengths as you like to 'catch' the wind.

  10. These figures are obviously sculpted by a master, and we are lucky to see them painted and brought to life by another master. You are obviously enjoying these, Rob, and this shows in the finished models.

  11. Rob,
    Amazing artistry.

Leave a Reply