The withdrawal of the troops from Afghanistan was regarded by the Ameer
of Scinde as a sign of weakness, and they consulted how they might
destroy the British power. Being feudatories of the Dooranée empire,
they had been persuaded to take a bold part in what they considered the
common cause. A force was consequently assembled under Major-General Sir
Charles Napier, and its first employment was the destruction of the Fort
of Emaun Ghur, in the desert, on the 14th. and 15th. of January, 1843.
This service was described by the Duke of Wellington in the House of
Lords, “as one of the most curious military feats he had ever known to
be performed, or had ever perused an account of in his life. Sir Charles
Napier (added his Grace) moved his troops through the desert against
hostile forces; he had his guns transported under circumstances of
extreme difficulty, and in a manner the most extraordinary; and he cut
off a retreat of the enemy which rendered it impossible for them ever to
regain their positions.”
As Emaun Ghur could only serve as a stronghold in which the Beloochees
might be able to resist British supremacy, Major-General Sir Charles
Napier determined upon destroying the fortress. It was a place of great
strength, and was constructed of unburnt bricks, into which the shot
easily penetrates, but brings nothing down, so that recourse was had to
mining. The place was full of gunpowder and grain, and the former was
employed in blowing up the fortress, which was effected on the 15th. of
January. The 22nd. was the only Queen’s regiment employed in this
service, three hundred and fifty of that corps having been carried on
camels.
After this difficult and harassing service, the troops returned on the
23rd. of January to Peer-Abu-Bekr, without the loss of a man, or without
even a sick soldier, and the Ameer’s plan of campaign was frustrated.
On the 14th. of February a treaty of peace was signed by these chiefs,
and directions were sent by them to the British political resident,
Major Outram, to quit Hyderabad, the capital; but before this was
complied with, eight thousand Beloochees, commanded by several Ameers in
person, attempted to force an entrance into the enclosure of the British
residency. After a sharp contest of four hours, the assailants were
repulsed by a small force under Captain Conway, aided by the fire of a
British steamer lying in the river; but the position being untenable was
abandoned, and the resident with his escort arrived safely in the camp
of Sir Charles Napier.
BATTLE OF MEEANEE.
17TH. FEBRUARY, 1843.
Having thus commenced hostilities, the Ameers assembled a numerous force
to destroy the few British troops in the country. Sir Charles Napier,
trusting to the valour of the force under his orders, advanced to meet
the enemy. On the 17th. of February, twenty-two thousand Scindian troops
were discovered encamped at Meeanee. The position of the enemy had been
chosen with great skill, and they were immensely superior in numbers.
Both their flanks were covered by thick woods, and their front was
protected by the dry bed and steep banks of the Fulailee river. The
British, mustering two thousand eight hundred men, advanced in echelon
of regiments to attack their numerous opponents, and the 22nd.,
commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel (now Lieutenant-General Sir John)
Pennefather, led the attack. As soon as the British forces came within
range, a battery of fifteen guns opened upon them, a numerous body of
Beloochees discharged their matchlocks and pistols at the 22nd., and
then rushed forward sword in hand to close upon the British line; but
these bold and skilful swordsmen went down under the superior power of
the musket and bayonet.[109]
In the stirring words of General W. F. P. Napier—the
Beloochees—“Guarding their heads with their large dark shields, they
shook their sharp swords beaming in the sun, their shouts rolling like a
peal of thunder, as with frantic gestures, they dashed forward with
demoniac strength and ferocity, full against the front of the 22nd. But
with shouts as loud, and shrieks as wild and fierce as theirs, and
hearts as big, and arms as strong, the Irish soldiers met them with the
queen of weapons—the musket, and sent their foremost masses rolling back
in blood. These wild warriors continually advanced, sword and shield in
hand, striving in all the fierceness of their valour, to break into the
opposing ranks; no fire of small arms, no thrusts of bayonets, no
sweeping discharges of grape from the guns—could drive the gallant
soldiers back. They gave their breasts to the shot, they leaped upon the
guns by twenties at a time; their dead went down the steep slope by
hundreds; but the gaps in their masses were continually filled up from
the rear; the survivors of the front rank still pressed forward with
unabated fury, and the bayonet and the sword clashed in full and
frequent conflict.”
After a severe contest of three hours the Scindian army was defeated,
and, on the day following the victory, six of the Ameers delivered their
swords to the British General upon the field of battle. The Beloochees
lost five thousand men, and all their guns, ammunition, and treasure
were taken, together with their camp and standards.
In the Notification of the Right Honourable Lord Ellenborough, the
Governor-General of India, it was directed, “That the unserviceable
guns, taken at Hyderabad, shall be sent to Bombay, and there cast into a
triumphal column, whereon shall be inscribed in the English, and two
native languages, the names of Major-General Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.,
and of the several officers mentioned by His Excellency in his despatch,
and likewise the names of the several officers, non-commissioned
officers, and privates mentioned in the reports, that thus the names may
be for ever recorded of those who, at Meeanee, obtained for themselves
that glory in the field, which is the reward dearest to a true soldier.”
Sir Charles Napier set the example, which has since been more or less
followed, in naming the non-commissioned officers and men who had
specially distinguished themselves.[110]
The loss of the 22nd. regiment was Captain J. Mc Leod Tew, one sergeant,
and twenty-two rank and file killed; Lieutenant-Colonel Pennefather,
Captain T. S. Conway, Lieutenants W. M. G. Mc Murdo and F. P. Harding,
Ensigns R. Pennefather and H. Bowden, one sergeant, one corporal, and
fifty privates wounded.
BATTLE OF HYDERABAD.
24TH. MARCH, 1843.
The whole of the Ameers did not submit, and the chiefs who continued to
resist assembled an army, which was commanded by Meer Shere Mahomed. The
British advanced from Hyderabad at daybreak on the morning of the 24th.
of March, and about half-past eight o’clock twenty thousand Scindian
troops were discovered in order of battle behind a nullah. Arrangements
were immediately made for commencing the action, and the 22nd. regiment
led the attack. Major Poole commanded the brigade, and Captain F. D.
George the regiment, which advanced steadily against the enemy’s left,
exposed to a heavy fire of matchlocks, without returning a shot until
arriving within forty paces of the entrenchment, when it stormed the
position occupied by the Beloochees. Lieutenant Coote first mounted the
rampart, seized one of the enemy’s standards, and was severely wounded
while in the act of waving it and cheering on his men; Lieutenant Powell
seized another, and the gallant example of the officers stimulated the
men to similar deeds. Privates J. Doherty, C. Lynar, E. Jobin, J. Mc
Cartin, J. Walmsley, G. Roberts, E. Watson, and J. Oakley shot the
defenders, and then captured fourteen standards, making five of their
opponents prisoners. Privates S. Cowen, S. Alder, and G. Banbury also
captured colours; and Corporal Tim. Kelly shot one of the Scindians,
taking from him a silver-knobbed standard. The Beloochee infantry and
artillery fought well, but were unable, although greatly superior in
numbers, to resist the determined attack of disciplined soldiers.
[Illustration:
The Second Jellalabad Medal.
The Maharajpoor Star.
]
Major-General Sir Charles Napier stated in his public despatch, “The
battle was decided by the troop of Horse Artillery, and Her Majesty’s
22nd. regiment.”[111]
The loss of the enemy was very great, and eleven pieces of cannon were
taken in position on the nullah, together with seventeen standards. The
Beloochee force was completely defeated, and their commander, Meer Shere
Mahomed, fled to the desert.[112] Among the killed was the great
promoter of the war, Hoche Mahomed Seedee. Twenty-three rank and file of
the 22nd. regiment were killed on this occasion; Lieutenants Chute,
Coote, Evans, and Brennan, Ensign Richard Pennefather, six sergeants,
one drummer, four corporals, and one hundred and twenty-three privates
were wounded. At the battle of Hyderabad the regiment mustered only five
hundred and sixty-two rank and file; the remainder, being sick and
convalescent, having been left at Sukkur, in Upper Scinde.
These successes gained for the troops the high honour of the thanks of
Parliament, and the Order of the Bath for several of the officers.
THE STAR FOR MAHARJPOOR AND PUNNIAR.
1843.
The Government of India, as a mark of their distinguished merit,
presented to every officer and soldier engaged in these battles, a
bronze star of six points, made from the captured guns, faced with a
smaller star of silver. Both stars are similar, the only difference
being that one has “Maharajpoor” on the silver face, the other
“Punniar,” the date being the same—“December 29th., 1843.” They were
permitted to be worn by the Queen’s regiments. The star was originally
issued with a brass hook to fasten it to the breast of the wearer’s
coat, but eventually it was worn with the “rainbow ribbon.”
BATTLES OF MAHARAJPOOR AND PUNNIAR.
29TH. DECEMBER, 1843.
A force named the “Army of Exercise” was assembled at Agra, in November,
1843, in consequence of affairs in the state of Gwalior, which had for
some time required the attention of the Indian Government, although it
was not anticipated that actual hostilities would take place. The events
which led to the collision between the Anglo-Indian troops and those of
the once powerful Mahratta kingdom, are as follow:—Upon the decease of
Maharajah Thunkojee Rao Scindiah, the British Government promptly
acknowledged as his successor the Maharajah Tyajee Rao Scindiah, who was
nearest in blood to the late sovereign of Gwalior, and whose adoption by
the Maharanee, his Highness’s widow, was approved by the chiefs. During
the minority of the Maharajah, the office of regent was to be held by
Mama Sahib. In a short time the regent was compelled by force to quit
the Gwalior state, and the Dada Khasgee Walla succeeded to the
confidence of the Maharanee without possessing generally that of the
chiefs, and by his influence various acts were committed insulting and
injurious to the British Government. The delivery of the Dada being
peremptorily insisted upon as a necessary preliminary to the
re-establishment of the customary relations with the Gwalior state, the
Maharanee at length complied with the request, and the Governor-General,
in order to give friendly support to the youthful Maharajah, directed
the immediate advance of forces sufficient for the purpose. The
Anglo-Indian troops entered the dominions of Scindiah, and a strong
government having been established at Gwalior, they received orders to
withdraw; but were not destined to return to their own territory without
a severe conflict. Negotiations appeared proceeding to an amicable
issue, but the design of the enemy to gain time to concentrate his
forces became at length so evident, that active measures of hostility
were determined upon. The British army left Agra, between the 12th. and
18th. of December, under the command of Major-General Sir Hugh Gough,
who was accompanied by the Governor-General, Lord Ellenborough, in
person.
The main division crossed the Koharee river early in the morning of the
29th. of December, and found the Mahratta forces drawn up in front of
the village of Maharajpoor, in a very strong position, which they had
occupied during the night, and which they had carefully entrenched. The
British were about fourteen thousand strong, with forty pieces of
artillery, while the enemy mustered eighteen thousand men, including
three thousand cavalry, with a hundred guns. Notwithstanding the extreme
difficulty of the country, intersected by deep and almost impassable
ravines, the whole of the Anglo-Indian troops were in their appointed
positions by eight o’clock in the morning of the 29th. of December. The
action commenced by the advance of Major-General Littler’s column, which
was exactly in front of Maharajpoor; whilst Major-General Valiant’s
brigade took it in reverse, both being supported by Major-General
Dennis’s column, and the two light field batteries.
Her Majesty’s 16th. Lancers, and the 39th. and 40th. regiments highly
distinguished themselves. The 30th., forming part of Brigadier Wright’s
brigade with the 56th. Native Infantry attacked with such vigour that
they stormed the enemy’s batteries and bayoneted the gunners at their
posts. But the Mahrattas rallied in the village, and after firing their
Matchlocks threw them away, and fought sword in hand with the most
determined bravery. In the meantime General Valiant’s brigade had taken
Maharajpoor in reverse, and by this combined movement twenty-eight guns
were captured, but the Mahratta position was not taken till nearly all
its defenders had been slain on the spot.
A small work of four guns on the left of the entrenched main position of
Chonda was long and obstinately defended, but subsequently carried; and
the guns captured by the grenadiers of the 39th., under Captain
Campbell, admirably supported by a wing of the 56th. Native Infantry,
under Major Philips.
Not less distinguished was the conduct of the 40th.; this regiment in
the attack on the enemy’s entrenched positions, had two successive
commanding officers, Major Stopford[113] and Captain Coddington, wounded
at the very muzzles of the guns. Two regimental standards were captured
by the 39th., and four by the 40th. regiment. Major-General Valiant was
also wounded.
Major-General Churchill, C.B., Quarter-Master General of Her Majesty’s
forces in India, and Captain Somerset of the Grenadier Guards, Military
Secretary to Lord Ellenborough, both received several wounds in personal
rencontres. The former died after amputation of the leg. Major Henry
Havelock, C.B., of the 13th. Light Infantry, Persian interpreter, served
on Sir Hugh Gough’s personal staff.
Brigadier Cureton’s brigade of cavalry, of which the 16th. Lancers
(under Lieutenant-Colonel Macdowell) formed part, took advantage of
every opportunity, manœuvring most judiciously on the right, and had it
not been for an impassable ravine, would have cut off the retreat of the
whole,. The cavalry division was under the orders of Major-General Sir
Joseph Thackwell, K.C.B.
In this action fifty-six guns, and the whole of the enemy’s ammunition
waggons were captured.
Major-General Grey, who had been directed to push on with the left wing
as rapidly as practicable to Punniar, twelve miles south-west of
Gwalior, gained also a complete victory on the same day as the battle of
Maharajpoor was fought, namely, the 29th. of December.
About four o’clock in the afternoon the enemy was observed to have taken
up a strong position on a chain of lofty hills, four miles eastward of
the camp. The Major-General determined immediately to attack him, and
the 3rd. Buffs, with a company of sappers and miners, were detached to
occupy a position on an opposite ridge, followed afterwards to the right
by five companies of the 39th. Native Infantry, until the troops,
amounting to two thousand and seven men, could be brought up, and an
attack made upon the enemy’s left flank and centre. Owing to the
lateness of the day, it was some time before this force could be
supported. The Buffs, under Lieutenant-Colonel Clunie, and the sappers
attacked the centre, exposed to a galling fire from the guns, and
gallantly carried every position, driving the enemy from height to
height, and capturing eleven of his guns, with a standard. The second
infantry brigade under Acting-Brigadier Anderson, of the 50th., arrived
in time to put a finish to the action; forming on the crest of the hill,
he, by a gallant and judicious movement, attacked the enemy’s left, and
completely defeated him, taking the remainder of his guns. Major Petit
commanded the 50th., and distinguished himself by the charge he made
down the hill at the head of that regiment. The 50th. Native Infantry
shared in the above movement. Major White commanded the latter, and took
the second infantry brigade out of action upon Brigadier Anderson being
wounded.
A portion of the first cavalry brigade, under Brigadier Campbell of the
9th. Lancers, accompanied the force as far as the ground would admit,
but no opportunity was afforded for actively employing them. General
Grey at once affected a junction with Sir H. Gough under the walls of
Givalin, which capital they occupied unopposed, and the Maharatta army
was disbanded.
These victories were not gained without severe loss,[114] owing to the
enemy’s force greatly exceeding the British, particularly in artillery,
and to the commanding position of his guns, which were well served and
resolutely defended both by gunners and infantry; the peculiar
difficulties of the country gave also additional advantages to the
gallantry of the Mahratta troops, whose casualties were exceedingly
heavy.
The regiments engaged at Maharajpoor, were the 16th. Lancers, 39th. and
40th. Foot. Bengal Artillery and Sappers, 1st., 4th., and 10th. Native
Cavalry, 2nd. Skinner’s Horse, and the 14th., 16th., 31st., 43rd., and
56th. Native Infantry. At Punniar; the troops engaged were the 9th.
Lancers; the 3rd. and 50th. Foot; the 8th. Bengal Irregular Cavalry, a
company of Sappers, and five companies of the 39th. and 50th. Native
Infantry.
THE SUTLEJ AND PUNJAUB MEDALS, FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND SIKH WARS.
1845–6 AND 1848–9.
For the first Sikh War, or Sutlej Campaign, four Silver Medals were
issued, for the four battles of “Moodkee, 1845;” “Ferozeshuhur, 1845;”
“Aliwal, 1846;” “Sobraon, 1846.” By a general order, if a soldier was
present at only one of these battles of the Campaign, he received the
medal with the name of the battle inscribed on the reverse; but if he
had been engaged in more battles than one, he received for each battle
an additional clasp. The medal was designed by W. Wyon, and is
considered a beautiful example of art. Obverse: The diademed head of the
Queen, with the legend “Victoria Regina.” Reverse: A figure of Victory
standing, with a laurel wreath in her right hand, and a palm branch in
her left, at her feet a trophy of Sikh arms. Above is the inscription
“Army of the Sutlej”; and in the exergue, the name and date of the
battle for which the medal was given. Clasps for “Ferozeshuhur,”
“Aliwal,” “Sobraon.” The 31st. and 50th. were the only European
regiments that received the medal with _three clasps_ for the four
battles. Ribbon—dark blue with crimson edges.
[Illustration:
The Sutlej Medal.
]
[Illustration:
The Punjaub Medal.
]
By a general order, dated Ferozepore, April 2nd., 1849, a medal (silver)
was granted for the Punjaub Campaign, second Sikh War, 1848–9. Obverse:
same as the Sutlej Medal. Reverse: Lord Gough on horseback, the Sikh
army laying down their arms before him, the British army in line with
colours flying, in the background palm-trees. The superscription is “To
the army of the Punjaub,” and in the exergue the date, MDCCCXLIX. Three
clasps were issued for “Mooltan,” “Chillianwala,” and “Goojerat.”
Ribbon—dark blue, with narrow stripes of yellow at the edges. The medal,
without a clasp, was given to the officers and men of the Indus Flotilla
who took part in the Campaign, and a Naval Brigade of about one hundred
men, received the medal, with a clasp, for Mooltan. Two clasps were the
greatest number worn with any medal.
THE SUTLEJ CAMPAIGN.
1845–1846.
The Sikh army which had been formed by Runjeet Singh, and trained by
French and Italian refugees in his service, according to European
tactics, had, since the decease of that politic ruler in 1839, become
the dominant power, and finally coerced, or induced the Lahore
authorities to commence hostilities. The Maharajah was an infant, his
advisers powerless; but the soldiers, who styled themselves the “Punth
Khalsajee,” or true believers, accustomed to conquest, and elated by
success, were eager for a contest with the English, whom they were
confident of expelling from Hindostan. Accordingly the Sikh army, having
crossed the Sutlej on the 11th. December, 1845, invested Ferozepore on
one side, and took up an entrenched position at the village of
Ferozeshah, about ten miles in advance of Ferozepore, and nearly the
same distance from Moodkee, the enemy placing in this camp one hundred
and eight pieces of cannon, with a force exceeding fifty thousand men.
Sir Henry Hardinge, the Governor-General of India, had for some time
been aware of the intentions of the Sikhs, and so far from being
unprepared to meet and repel an invasion, before he had been three
months in India, large bodies of troops were marching from different
points towards the North West Frontier, to reinforce the army of
observation on the Sutlej. At the beginning of December, 1845, there
were 10,472 men and 24 guns at Ferozepore, 7235 men with 12 guns at
Loodiana, and nearly 13,000 men with 70 guns at Umballa; in all, nearly
31,000 men and 70 guns, under the command of Sir Hugh Gough.
The Sikhs remained inactive in the vicinity of Ferozepore for some days,
which may be regarded as a providential circumstance, as instead of
annihilating Major-General Sir John Littler’s weak divisions, they
contented themselves with stopping the dâks, and plundering the country,
until the 17th. of December, when they marched to intercept the approach
of the “Army of the Sutlej,” then advancing to the relief of Ferozepore
from Umballa, under Sir Hugh Gough, with whom was the Governor-General.
BATTLE OF MOODKEE.
18TH. DECEMBER, 1845.
After a harassing march of one hundred and fifty miles, along roads of
heavy sand, the troops arrived at Moodkee, on the 18th. of December,
having endured every kind of privation; the incessant labour required of
them admitting scarcely an hour’s uninterrupted repose before being
called upon for renewed exertions. About three o’clock in the afternoon,
the army, suffering severely from the want of water, and in a state of
great exhaustion, received intelligence of the advance of the Sikhs on
Moodkee, and the troops had scarcely time to get under arms, and to move
to their positions, before the information was confirmed. The horse
artillery and cavalry were immediately pushed forward, the infantry and
field batteries moving in support. Two miles were scarcely passed, when
the enemy, consisting of about twenty thousand infantry, and an equal
number of cavalry, with forty guns, under Lal Singh, were discovered in
position, which they had either just taken up, or were advancing in
order of battle. The country at this spot was a dead flat, dotted with
sandy hillocks, and covered at short intervals with a low thick jungle,
forming an excellent screen for the infantry and guns of the enemy, from
which they opened a severe cannonade upon the advancing troops, which
was vigorously replied to by the horse artillery under Brigadier Brooke.
After the manœuvres of the cavalry on the left and right flanks of their
opponents, the infantry commenced their participation in the fight, and
advancing under Major-Generals Sir Harry Smith, Walter Gilbert, and Sir
John Mc Caskill, attacked in _echelon_ of lines the Sikh infantry, the
wood and approaching darkness of night rendering them almost invisible.
The great superiority of numbers of the enemy necessarily caused their
extended line to outflank the British, but the movements of the cavalry
counteracted this advantage. Desperate was the opposition experienced,
but the roll of fire from the infantry soon convinced the Sikhs of the
inutility of resistance; their whole force was driven from position to
position with great slaughter at the point of the bayonet; night only
saved them from further disaster, this stout conflict being maintained
for an hour and a half of dim starlight, objects being rendered still
more obscure from the clouds of dust which arose from the sandy plain.
Lal Singh, the Sikh commander, was wounded, and narrowly escaped being
taken prisoner. Darkness alone prevented the pursuit of the foe; and the
force bivouacked on the field for some hours; returning to their
encampment, when it was ascertained that they had no foe before them, as
the enemy fled to their camp at Ferozeshuhur.
In this manner was achieved the first of a series of victories over the
Sikh troops; troops that had fought with the British army only three
years previously, in the advance on Cabool, and had been thanked in
general orders for their services, sustaining as they did, at the
forcing of the Khyber Pass, a loss equal to that of the Anglo-Indian
force; it appears therefore but reasonable to infer, that much of the
skill evinced by them in the disposition and arrangement of their army
may be in some degree attributed to the experience they gained by their
co-operation in the Afghan campaign; proving themselves unquestionably
at Moodkee, and in the succeeding conflicts, one of the best disciplined
and most powerful antagonists the British had ever encountered in India.
This victory was not gained without considerable loss; several gallant
officers fell and two hundred men, amongst them the hero of Afghanistan,
Major-General Sir Robert Sale, who, towards the conclusion of the
action, had his thigh shattered with a grape shot, from the effects of
which he died. Major-General Sir John McCaskill, K.C.B., who had served
with the 9th. Foot in that country, was also amongst the slain.
The troops engaged at Moodkee were the 3rd. Light Dragoons, 9th., 31st.,
50th., and 80th. Foot, Skinner’s Horse, 8th. Bengal Irregular Cavalry,
and the 5th., 7th., and 26th. Bengal Infantry.
BATTLE OF FEROZESHAH OR FEROZESHUHUR.
21ST. AND 22ND. DECEMBER, 1845.
On the 19th. of December the army was concentrated at Moodkee, no
further operations taking place until the 21st., when it moved by its
left on Ferozepore; and having on the march been reinforced by
Major-General Sir John Littler’s division of five thousand men from
that place, General Sir Hugh Gough formed his forces in order of
battle. It was then resolved to attack the enemy’s entrenched camp at
Ferozeshah, or Ferozeshuhur, where they were posted in great force,
and had a most formidable artillery; their camp was a parallelogram,
about a mile in length, and half that distance in breadth, including
within its area the village of Ferozeshuhur, the shorter sides looking
towards the Sutlej and Moodkee, and the longer towards Ferozepore, and
the open country. The plains, as at Moodkee, were covered with low
jhow jungle; this added to the difficulty of the advance, which was
made in four divisions; the left wing under the direction of the
Governor-General, (Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Hardinge,) who had
volunteered his services as second in command. The force of the Sikhs
was about 35,000 men, two-thirds of whom were regular troops, with
ninety-eight guns, and another army of 23,000 regulars and sixty-seven
guns, under Tej Singh, was only ten miles distant. Upwards of one
hundred guns of the enemy, nearly one half of battering calibre,
opened a heavy cannonade, which was checked, but not silenced, by the
far less numerous artillery of the assailants.[115] In spite of this
storm of shot and shell, the infantry gallantly advanced, and boldly
carried the formidable entrenchments, throwing themselves upon the
guns, and wresting them from the enemy. These exertions, however, only
partially gained the batteries, and the soldiery had to face so hot a
fire from the Sikhs from behind their guns, that the most heroic
efforts could only succeed in carrying a portion of the entrenchment.
Darkness did not bring a total cessation of hostilities, for about the
middle of the night the Sikhs caused one of their heavy guns to bear
upon that part of the field gained, and on which the troops had
bivouacked. The gun was soon captured by the 80th. regiment;[116] but
the enemy, whenever moonlight revealed the position, still continued
to harass the troops by the fire of their artillery.
At length the long night wore away, and with daylight of the 22nd. of
December came retribution. The infantry formed into line, supported on
both flanks by horse artillery, whilst a fire was opened from the
centre, aided by a flight of rockets. Here a masked battery played with
great effect, dismounting the pieces and blowing up the tumbrils of the
British, but at this juncture Sir Henry Hardinge placed himself at the
head of the left wing, the right being led by Sir Hugh Gough. Unchecked
by the opposing fire, the line advanced, and drove the foe rapidly out
of the village of Ferozeshah, and the encampment; then changing front to
the left, continued to sweep the camp, bearing down all opposition.
Eventually the Sikhs were dislodged from their whole position. The line
now halted, and the two brave leaders rode along its front, amid the
cheering of the soldiers and the waving of the captured standards of the
Khalsa army. Seventy-three pieces of cannon were also captured.
The British, masters of the entire field, now assumed a position on the
ground they had so nobly won; but their labours were not ended, for in
less than two hours Sirdar Tej Singh brought up from the vicinity of
Ferozepore fresh battalions, and a large field of artillery, supported
by thirty thousand Ghorechurras, previously encamped near the river.
Driving in the cavalry parties, he made strenuous efforts to regain the
position at Ferozeshah; this attempt was defeated; but the Sirdar
renewing the contest with fresh troops, and a large artillery, commenced
the attack by a combination against the left flank; and after being
frustrated in this attempt, essayed such a demonstration against the
captured village, as compelled the British to change the whole front to
the right. Meanwhile an incessant fire was maintained by the foe without
being answered by a single shot, the artillery ammunition being
completely expended in these protracted encounters. The almost exhausted
cavalry were now directed to threaten both flanks at once, the infantry
preparing to advance in support; this soon caused the Sikhs to
discontinue firing, and to abandon the field, precipitately retreating
towards the Sutlej, large stores of grain and _matériel_ of war being
abandoned by the enemy.[117]
It is not surprising that the British casualties were numerous; the
total loss being six hundred and ninety-four killed, and one thousand
seven hundred and twenty-one wounded. The entire staff of the
Governor-General was killed or wounded, except his son, Captain
Hardinge, who had his horse shot under him. Within thirty hours an
entrenched camp had been stormed, a general action fought, and two
considerable conflicts sustained with the enemy. Thus in less than four
days, sixty thousand Sikh soldiers, supported by upwards of one hundred
and fifty pieces of cannon, were dislodged from their position, and
received a just retribution for their treacherous proceedings, without
provocation or declaration of hostilities.
The 3rd. Light Dragoons, 9th., 29th., 31st., 50th., 62nd., and 80th.
Foot; the 2nd. Skinner’s Horse, 8th. Bengal Irregular Cavalry, Bengal
Sappers and Miners, Royal Bengal Fusiliers; 4th., 5th., and 7th. Bengal
Infantry, took part in the battle of Ferozeshuhur. In the official
despatch there were no regiments particularized, for all were equally
exposed during this protracted conflict.[118]
BATTLE OF ALIWAL.
28TH. JANUARY, 1846.
On the 16th. of January, 1846, the first brigade, with a few guns and
some native cavalry, received sudden orders to march on the following
morning in the direction of Loodiana, under the command of Major-General
Sir Harry Smith. By a forced, march on the 17th., the fort of
Dhurrumkote was surprised, and the garrison, consisting of about three
hundred men, laid down their arms, and were sent prisoners to
head-quarters. On the 20th. of the same month this division was
reinforced near the fort of Jugraon by the 16th. Lancers, the 53rd.
Foot, a detachment of recruits of the Queen’s regiments, and a troop of
horse artillery. The Major-General decided on attempting the relief of
Loodiana, which was but slightly garrisoned, and was threatened by a
large body of the enemy. The troops commenced their march about one
o’clock in the morning of the 21st.; about eleven the enemy was observed
to be drawn up, parallel with the British line of march, in a strong
position at Buddiwal, his front covered by a ridge of low sand-hills,
bristling with forty pieces of artillery, which were so placed that it
was necessary, in order to gain Loodiana, either to risk a battle to
dislodge him from a strong position,—which, with troops fatigued by a
long march, under a burning sun, and greatly inferior in numbers, would
have been a hazardous proceeding,—or to proceed along the entire front
of his position under a galling fire.
Having a just confidence in the steadiness of his troops, Sir Harry
Smith chose the latter course. The infantry, formed in open column of
companies right in front (the grenadier company of the 31st. leading,)
and ready at any moment to form line, preceded by the artillery, and
covered by the cavalry, marched at a distance of five hundred yards,
along the front of this formidable line, receiving the fire of each
battery as it bore upon them. The Sikh position being passed, and the
enemy declining to follow, by three o’clock in the afternoon the troops
arrived at Loodiana, thus effecting the desired object.
On the 22nd. and 23rd. the soldiers were permitted to rest themselves
after their late fatigue, and on the 24th. the enemy retired to Aliwal,
a village on the Sutlej. The British moved to the ground lately occupied
by them at Buddiwal, where they were reinforced by the second brigade of
Sir Harry Smith’s division, consisting of the 50th. Foot and 48th.
Native Infantry, with some cavalry and infantry from Loodiana.
At daylight on the 28th. Sir Harry Smith marched with his whole force to
attack the Sirdar Runjoor Singh and the Rajah of Ladwa in their camps at
Aliwal, the enemy being drawn up in line of battle with his left resting
on the village, numbering about fifteen thousand men, with fifty-six
guns. From information afterwards received, it appeared that the Sikhs
were about to march upon Jugraon that very morning, for the purpose of
getting between Sir Harry Smith’s force and the heavy guns coming up
from Delhi under a very slender escort. The march having been previously
conducted in columns of brigades at deploying distance, each brigade
deployed on its leading company, and thus formed one long line. Abour
ten o’clock in the morning the action commenced by a heavy cannonade
from the Sikh artillery, which was principally directed on the British
centre. The village of Aliwal was filled with infantry, supported by
cavalry in the rear, and further defended by two guns on its left.
“The enemy,” says Sir Harry Smith, “fought with much resolution, and
maintained frequent encounters with our cavalry hand to hand. In one
charge of infantry upon the 16th. Lancers, they threw away their
muskets, and came on with their swords and targets against the lance.”
But all their bravery was fruitless. The village was carried, and the
two guns were captured,[119] but the line being in consequence somewhat
disarranged, it was quickly re-formed, and advanced in excellent order,
overcoming all opposition. The attack of the enemy by the left wing was
equally successful; the line advanced, making a steady and successful
charge, and the Sikhs, being beaten in every quarter, fled towards the
river in the utmost confusion, leaving their camp, baggage, and stores,
with fifty-two pieces of artillery, as trophies in the hands of the
victors.
The regiments engaged in this battle were the 16th. Lancers, 31st.,
50th., and 53rd. Foot, 3rd. Skinner’s Horse, 1st. and 2nd. Ghoorkas, and
7th. and 13th. Bengal Infantry.
BATTLE OF SOBRAON.
10TH. FEBRUARY, 1846.
Although the intelligence of the victory of Aliwal, and the sight of the
numerous bodies which floated from the vicinity of that battle-field to
the bridge of boats at Sobraon, apparently disheartened the enemy, and
caused many of them to return to their homes, yet in a few days they
appeared as confident as ever of being able in their entrenched
position, to defy the Anglo-Indian army, and to prevent the passage of
the Sutlej.
The heavy ordnance having arrived on the 8th. of February, the day on
which the forces under Major-General Sir Harry Smith rejoined the main
body of the army, it was determined at once to storm their
entrenchments, and finally drive them out of Hindoostan. This was no
ordinary undertaking, as, from observations made during the time the
head-quarters of the army were stationed at the village of Nihalkee, it
was ascertained that the position at Sobraon was covered with formidable
entrenchments, and defended by thirty thousand of the _élite_ of the
Khalsa troops; besides being united by a good bridge to a reserve on the
opposite bank of the river, on which was stationed a considerable camp,
with artillery, which commanded and flanked the Sikh field-works on the
British side of the Sutlej.
About daybreak on the 10th. of February, the mortars, battering guns,
and field artillery were disposed on the alluvial land, embracing within
their fire the enemy’s works. As soon as the sun’s rays cleared the
heavy mist which hung over the plain, the cannonade commenced; but
notwithstanding the admirable manner in which the guns were served, it
would have been visionary to expect that they could, within any limited
time, silence the fire of seventy pieces of artillery behind
well-constructed batteries, or dislodge troops so strongly entrenched.
It soon therefore became evident that musketry and the bayonet must
ultimately decide the contest.
The British infantry, formed on the extreme left of the line, then
advanced to the assault, and in spite of every impediment, cleared the
entrenchments, and entered the enemy’s camp. Her Majesty’s 10th., 53rd.,
and 80th. regiments, with the 33rd., 43rd., 59th., and 63rd. Native
Infantry, moving at a firm and steady pace, never fired a shot till they
had passed the barriers opposed to them, to which was attributed the
success of their first effort, and the small loss sustained by them.
When checked by the formidable obstacles and superior numbers to which
the attacking division was exposed, the second division, under
Major-General Gilbert, afforded the most opportune assistance by
advancing to the attack of the Sikh batteries, entering the fortified
position after a severe struggle, and sweeping through the interior of
the camp. A very severe loss was inflicted by this division upon the
retreating enemy. The same gallant efforts, attended by similar results,
distinguished the attack of the enemy’s left by the first division,
under Major-General Sir Harry Smith, in which the troops nobly sustained
their former reputation.[120]
Fighting with the energy of desperation, the Sikhs even when some of
their entrenchments were mastered with the bayonet, endeavoured to
recover with the sword the positions they had lost. The cavalry under
General Sir Joseph Thackwell, rode through the openings made by the
sappers, in single file, and re-forming as they passed them, galloped on
and cut down the Sikh artillerymen at their guns. But it was not until
the weight of all three divisions of infantry, in addition to several
regiments of cavalry, and the fire of every piece of field artillery
that could be sent to their aid, had been felt, that the enemy gave way.
The Sikh regiments retreated at first in tolerable order, but the
incessant volleys soon caused them to seek safety in a rapid flight.
Masses of them precipitated themselves on their bridge, which, being
broken by the heavy fire, was incapable to sustain the multitudes
pressing forward; the sudden rise too of the Sutlej rendered the ford
almost impassable, adding another obstacle to their escape. A dreadful
carnage ensued. The stream was red with the blood of men and horses, the
bridge in many places had given way, and it is considered that at least
a third of the Sikh army perished in this battle; sixty-seven of their
guns were captured, together with two hundred camel-swivels
(zumbroorucks,)[121] numerous standards, and vast munitions of war.
In this manner ended the battle of Sobraon; at six in the morning it
commenced; at nine it became a hand to hand conflict; and by eleven it
was gained. Major-General Sir Robert Dick, K.C.B., the former leader of
the 42nd. Royal Highlanders in Spain, fell at the moment of victory;
Brigadier Taylor, C.B., the beloved commanding officer of the second
division, was also killed. In these several battles the British loss
amounted to six thousand two hundred and seventy-two officers and men
killed and wounded.
Of the Queen’s regiments, besides those already mentioned, the 31st. and
50th. were described in orders as having greatly distinguished
themselves. The gallant conduct of the 9th., 29th., and 62nd. regiments,
was also specially noticed, and the cavalry were not forgotten.[122] The
3rd. Light Dragoons and the 10th. especially distinguished themselves.
The following regiments were present at this decisive victory,
namely,—3rd. Light Dragoons; 9th., and 16th. Lancers, 9th., 10th.,
29th., 31st., 50th., 53rd., 62nd., and 80th. Foot; their conduct and
that of the officers received the thanks of Parliament, the 1st. Bengal
Europeans; 4th. 5th., 6th., 7th., 8th., 9th., and 26th. Bengal Native
Infantry, and 1st., and 2nd. Goorkhas.
Ten days after the battle of Sobraon the British arrived before Lahore.
So complete was the discomfiture of the Sikhs, that no further
opposition was experienced: and on the 22nd. of February a brigade of
troops took formal possession of the palace and citadel of Lahore. A
treaty was signed on the 7th. of March, which, while it evinced the
moderation and justice of the paramount power of India, appeared
calculated to secure the frontier against similar acts of aggression.