Hi Garen,

It was actually John Dowling who served in the second Afgan War at Pewar Kotal, I have all the muster rolls he was definately there when the battles took place and had several children out there including my great grandfather (born in Mian Mir which is now Lahore). Whats really wierd is he is not mentioned on the medal roll, he was a sergeant, possibly a company sergeant major as family lore has it he was a sergeant major, I have not managed to locate him yet after his return from India, I am guessing he switched regiments.

There was another John Dowling who was a Sergeant Major in the same regiment (LIverpool Kings Own, 8th), however this guy did not go to India and is not the same one. I have seen your site before, but will check it out again.

Its hard to imagine how hard life must have been on the western frontier, just the climate alone without hostilities would have been enough for most people.

Keep up the good work,

Duncan