Captain Robert Troup, 63rd Bengal Native Infantry, 1842 (c)

Oil on canvas by unknown artist, 1842.

Robert Troup (1811-1867) was born in Nairn, Scotland, and joined the Bengal Army as a cadet in 1827. He arrived in India in April 1828 and was posted as ensign to the 63rd Bengal Native Infantry. Promoted to lieutenant in April 1834, Troup served with the 1st Oudh Local Infantry from August 1845 until February 1846 when he rejoined his regiment for service in Sindh. During the First Sikh War (1845-1846), Troup fought at Ferozeshah and Sobraon. Promoted captain in October 1848, service as adjutant of the Nassiri Battalion followed before a posting as commandant of the 2nd Regiment of Oudh Local Infantry in 1847. Troup remained in this post until 1856, being promoted to major in December 1855. He was made lieutenent-colonel in August 1859.