8th., 1879. In the attack on Moirosi’s Mountain, attempting to throw
time shells over a stone barricade amongst the enemy, under a heavy
fire. In the performance of this duty he was severely wounded.
SEELY, Seaman W., H.M.S. “Euryalus.” Japan, September 6th., 1864.
Daring in ascertaining enemy’s position, and remaining at the front
after being wounded.
SELLAR, Lance-Corporal G., Seaforth Highlanders. Kabul, December
14th., 1879. For his bravery at Asmai, being first at top of a hill
and cutting down one of the enemy after fierce fight, in which he was
wounded himself.
SHAW, Lieutenant-Colonel H., 18th. Foot. New Zealand, January 24th.,
1865. Rescuing a wounded soldier under heavy fire, and with the
assistance of four privates who volunteered, bringing him in, on two
occasions the same day.
SHAW, Private S., 3rd. Battalion Rifle Brigade. Indian Mutiny, January
13th., 1858. Attacking and killing a Ghazee with his short sword,
after a desperate struggle, in which he was himself wounded.
SHEBBEARE, Captain R. H., 60th. Bengal Native Infantry. September
14th., 1857. At the assault on Delhi, attempting to reorganise his men
before walls of loopholed serai, and conducting rear-guard of retreat
across a canal, though severely wounded.
SHEPPARD, Boatswain J., H.M.S. “St. Jean d’Acre.” Sebastopol, July
15th., August 16th., 1855. Twice proceeding into the harbour alone in
a punt, and endeavouring to blow up a Russian man-of-war.
SHIELDS, Corporal R., 23rd. Foot. Sebastopol, Redan, September 8th.,
1855. Volunteering to go out and bring in Lieutenant Dynely, who was
mortally wounded, under heavy fire.
SIMPSON, Major J., 42nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, April 15th., 1858. At
the attack on the fort of Ruhya, bringing in first a wounded officer,
and then a wounded man, under close and heavy fire.
SIMS, Private J., 34th. Foot. Redan, 18th. June, 1855. Bringing in
wounded under heavy fire, in broad daylight.
SINNOT, Lance-Corporal J., 84th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, October 6th.,
1857. For distinguished gallantry at Lucknow in going out with
Sergeants Glynn and Mullins, and Private Mullins, to the rescue of
Lieutenant Gibaut, who was wounded, and bringing him in under heavy
fire. Selected by his companions as the most worthy.
SLEAVON, Corporal M., Royal Engineers. Indian Mutiny, April 3rd.,
1857. At the attack on the fort at Jhansi, continuing to work at head
of sap under heavy fire.
SMITH, Gunner Albert, Royal Artillery. At Abu Klea, Soudan, January
17th., 1885. Defending Lieutenant Guthrie, Royal Artillery, who was
mortally wounded.
SMITH, Colonel F. A., 43rd. Foot. New Zealand, June 21st., 1864.
Gallantly leading his company to attack a position at Tauranga,
although wounded.
SMITH, Lance-Corporal H., 52nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, September 14th.,
1857. Carrying away wounded comrade under heavy fire of grape and
musketry at Delhi.
SMITH, Sergeant J., Bengal Engineers. Indian Mutiny, Delhi, September
14th., 1857. _See_ Lieutenant Home.
SMITH, Private J., 1st. Madras Fusiliers (102nd. Regiment). Indian
Mutiny, November 16th., 1857. For having been one of the first to try
and enter the Secundra Bagh, and on the gate being forced, he was
among the first inside. He received immediately three desperate
wounds, but fought his way out, and performed his duties for the day.
Elected by the privates of the regiment.
SMITH, Corporal P., 17th. Foot. Redan, June 18th., 1855. For
repeatedly going out in front of the trenches and bringing in wounded,
under heavy fire.
SPENCE, Troop Sergeant-Major, 9th. Lancers. Indian Mutiny, January
17th., 1858. Rescuing a wounded comrade from a number of rebels, at
Shumsabad.
SPENCE, Private E., 42nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, April 15th., 1858. He,
with Lance-Corporal Thomson, would have been recommended for the
decoration, for having covered retreat of the party bringing in the
body of Lieutenant Willoughby, under heavy fire, but he died from
wounds received when doing so.
STAGPOOLE, Drummer D., 57th. Foot. New Zealand, October 2nd., 1863.
Has also the medal for distinguished service in the field. _See_
Ensign J. T. Down.
STANLOCK, Private W., Coldstream Guards. Sebastopol, October, 1854.
For volunteering to crawl up within six yards of Russian sentry,
thereby enabling officer in command of reconnoitring party to effect a
surprise.
STEWART, Major W. G. D., 93rd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, November 16th.,
1857. For his gallantry at Lucknow in leading attack and capturing two
guns. Elected by the officers of the regiment.
STRONG, Private George, Coldstream Guards. Sebastopol, September 1855.
Throwing away live shell which fell in the trenches.
SULLIVAN, Chief Boatswain J. Sebastopol, April 10th., 1855. Placing
flag on a mound at great risk, so as to enable fire to be opened on a
concealed Russian battery.
SUTTON, Bugler W., 60th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, September 13th., 1857.
Reconnoitring the breach at Delhi the night before the assault, and
rushing over trenches when the enemy was attacking in force, and
killing a bugler who was about to sound. Elected by the privates of
the regiment.
SYLVESTER, Assistant-Surgeon H. T., 23rd. Foot. Redan, September 8th.,
1855. Going out under heavy fire to dress the wounds of Lieut. Dynely,
who was laying mortally wounded, and assisting the wounded under fire
on other occasions.
SYMONS, Lieutenant G., Military Train. Sebastopol, June 6th., 1855.
Unmasking battery under terrific fire, in which act he was severely
wounded.
TAYLOR, J., Captain of the Forecastle. Sebastopol, June 18th., 1855.
_See_ Rear-Admiral H. J. Raby, C.B.
TEESDALE, Colonel C. C., Royal Artillery. Defence of Kars, September
29th., 1855. Driving the enemy from a redoubt, the key of the
position, and rallying Turkish artillerymen when driven from their
guns, and inducing them to return to their post; and also, at great
personal risk, saving many of the wounded Russians from the fury of
the Turks.
TEMPLE, Surgeon-Major W., Royal Artillery. New Zealand, November
20th., 1863; and Lieutenant A. F. Pickard. For their devoted conduct
in assisting the wounded under heavy fire, during the assault of
Rangiriri.
THACKERY, Lieutenant-Colonel E. T., Bengal Engineers. Indian Mutiny,
September 16th., 1857. For daring in extinguishing a fire in the
magazine at Delhi, under close musketry fire, and at imminent risk of
being blown up.
THOMAS, Bombardier J., Bengal Artillery. Indian Mutiny, September
27th., 1857. Carrying away wounded comrade under heavy fire, during a
sortie from Lucknow.
THOMSON, Lance-Corporal A., 42nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, April 15th.,
1858. Volunteering to assist in bringing in an officer’s body under
heavy fire. _See_ General Cafe.
THOMPSON, Private J., 60th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, July 9th., 1857. For
saving the life of his captain (Wilton) when surrounded by a party of
Ghazees, and gallantry on all occasions. Elected by the privates of
the regiment.
TOMBS, Major-General Sir H., K.C.B., Bengal Artillery. Indian Mutiny,
July 9th., 1857. Twice going to the assistance of Lieutenant Hills,
before Delhi, killing his man on each occasion. _See_ Lieutenant
Hills.
TRAVERS, General J. Indian Mutiny, July 1st., 1857. For his bravery in
the attack on the Presidency at Indore, when, supported by only five
men, he charged the guns of the mutineers, and by this act saved the
lives of many European fugitives.
TREVOR, Colonel W. S., Royal Engineers. Bhootan, April 30th., 1865;
and Lieutenant J. Dundas. Gallantry in leading attack on a loopholed
blockhouse at Dewangiri. _See_ Lieutenant Dundas.
TREWAVAS, Seaman J., H.M.S. “Beagle.” Straits of Genitchi, July 3rd.,
1855. Cutting hawsers of the floating bridge at Genitchi under heavy
fire, in which he was wounded.
TURNER, Private S., 60th. Rifles. Indian Mutiny, June 19th., 1857. At
Delhi, during a severe fight with the mutineers, he carried off on his
shoulders Lieutenant Humphreys, who was mortally wounded, and was
himself wounded in so doing.
TYTLER, Lieutenant-Colonel J. A., 60th. Bengal Native Infantry. Indian
Mutiny, February 10th., 1858. For charging rebel guns in advance at
Choorpoorah, and engaging gunners alone hand to hand, till the guns
were carried. In the action he was severely wounded.
VOUSDEN, Major W. J., Bengal Staff Corps. Kabul, December 14th., 1879.
Charging with a small party through and through superior force of
retreating Kohistanees, backwards and forwards several times, on the
Asmai heights.
WADESON, Colonel R., 75th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, before Delhi, July
18th., 1857. Twice saving a soldier’s life when attacked by rebel
sowars.
WALKER, Major-General M., 30th. Foot. Inkermann, November 5th., 1854.
By his example encouraging his comrades to repulse a superior force of
Russian Infantry.
WALLER, Colour-Sergeant G., 60th. Rifles. Indian Mutiny, September
14th. and 18th., 1857. For conspicuous gallantry at Delhi, in charging
and capturing guns. Elected by the non-commissioned officers of the
regiment.
WALLER, Lieutenant-Colonel W. F. F., 25th. Bombay Light Infantry.
Indian Mutiny, June 20th., 1858. For distinguished bravery in
capturing Gwalior by storm, with a handful of men. Lieutenant Rose,
the only other European present, was killed in the assault.
WALTERS, Sergeant G., 49th. Foot. Inkermann, November 5th., 1854.
Rescuing Brigadier-General Adams when surrounded by the enemy, one of
whom he killed.
WANTAGE, Lord (Loyd-Lindsay, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir R. J., K.C.B.),
Scots Fusilier Guards. Alma and Inkermann, 1854. At the Alma,
re-forming the line, and standing firm with the colours; and at
Inkermann, charging and repulsing a strong body of Russians with a few
men.
WARD, Private H., 78th. Highlanders. Indian Mutiny, September 25th.
and 26th., 1857. Escorting and protecting Lieutenant H. M. Havelock,
and a private, who were wounded, through heavy cross fire, to a place
of safety, at Lucknow.
WARD, Sergeant J. 8th. Hussars. Indian Mutiny, June 17th., 1858. For
gallantry at Gwalior. _See_ Major C. W. Heneage and Private Pearson.
WASSAL, Private S., 80th. Foot. Zululand, Isandhlwana, January 22nd.,
1879. Rescuing comrade from drowning, under heavy and close fire, in
the Buffalo river.
WATSON, Major-General J. C. B., 1st. Punjaub Cavalry. Indian Mutiny,
November 14th., 1857. For distinguished conduct in attacking rebel
cavalry in advance of his men, and dismounting their leader in single
combat.
WHEATLEY, Private F., Rifle Brigade. Sebastopol, November 10th., 1854.
Throwing live shell over parapet of the trenches.
WHIRLPOOL, Private F., 3rd. Bombay European Regiment. Indian Mutiny,
April 3rd. and May 2nd., 1858. Bringing in wounded under heavy fire,
at the attack on Jhansi, and going to the rescue of Lieutenant Donne,
who was wounded, at Lohari. In this service he received _seventeen_
wounds, but his gallant example greatly contributed to the success of
the day.
WHITE, Lieutenant-Colonel G. S., 92nd. Foot. Afghanistan, October
7th., 1879, and September 1st., 1880. For his gallantry at Charasiah,
in dislodging overwhelming numbers of enemy from fortified hill, with
only two companies of his regiment. His men exhausted with climbing,
he advanced alone and shot the enemy’s leader, causing the rest to
retreat; also dashing forward on another occasion and capturing a gun
at Candahar.
WILKINSON, Bombardier Thomas, Royal Marine Artillery. Sebastopol, June
5th., 1855. For his conduct in the advanced trenches, in repairing
work under heavy fire.
WILLIAMS, Private John, 2nd. Battalion 24th. Foot. Rorke’s Drift,
Zululand, January 22nd. and 23rd., 1879, and Private H. Hook.
Gallantly defending and rescuing hospital patients. _See_ Privates
Hitch, Jones, etc.
WILMOT, Major Sir Henry, Bart., C.B., Rifle Brigade. Indian Mutiny,
March 11th., 1858; and Corporal W. Nash and Private D. Hawks. For his
gallantry in covering retreat of three of his men, who were carrying
away a wounded comrade exposed to the fire of the enemy.
WILSON, Captain A. K., H.M.S. “Hecla.” Soudan, El Teb, February 29th.,
1884. Engaging, in defence of a Gardner gun, several of the enemy,
single-handed and wounded.
WOOD, Major-General, Sir H. E., K.C.B., 17th. Light Dragoons. Indian
Mutiny, October 19th., 1858. Attacking and routing almost
single-handed, a body of rebels at Sindwaho; and with two soldiers
rescuing a Potail from band of robbers, near Sindhora.
WOOD, Colonel J. A., Bombay Staff Corps. Persia, December 9th., 1856.
At Bushire he was first on the parapet, and although struck by seven
bullets, he cut down the leader of the enemy, and established himself
in the place.
WOODEN, Quartermaster Charles, 17th. Lancers. Balaklava, October
26th., 1854. Saving life of Colonel Morris. _See_ Surgeon-General J.
Mouat, C.B.
WRIGHT, Private A., 77th. Foot. Crimea. For conspicuous gallantry
throughout the whole war. He greatly distinguished himself on several
occasions, and was twice wounded.
YOUNG, Commander J., Royal Navy. Indian Mutiny, November 10th., 1857,
and Captain of Foretop, W. Hall, H.M.S. “Shannon.” Gallantry in
working a 24-pounder gun brought up to the angle of the Shah Nujiff,
at Lucknow.
Since the above list has been in type, three officers have won the
Cross, for the distinguished bravery shown by them during the recent
operations in the Hunza and Nagar Country, on the Gilgit frontier, in
December, 1891; namely, Captain F. H. Aylmer, of the Royal Engineers,
and Lieutenants G. H. Boisragon and J. M. Smith, of the Indian Staff
Corps. Capt. Aylmer and Lieutenant Boisragon gained the decoration for
their conspicuous gallantry in the assault and capture of the Nilt Fort,
December 2nd., 1891. Captain Aylmer accompanied the storming party, and
blew open the inner gate of the place with gun cotton, and, though
severely wounded, continued fighting till he fainted from loss of blood.
Lieutenant Guy H. Boisragon led the assault, and returned for
reinforcements, under a heavy cross fire. The Cross was given to
Lieutenant J. M. Smith for the gallantry with which he led the storming
party at the attack and capture of a very strong position near Nilt, in
the Hunza-Nagar country, December 20th., 1891, which had stopped the
advance of the force for seventeen days.
[Illustration:
The Indian Mutiny Medal.
]
THE INDIAN MUTINY MEDAL.
1857–1858.
This medal, which is by L. C. Wyon, Esq., was granted by a General
Order, dated August 18th., 1858. The obverse has the Queen’s head,
diademed, with the superscription “Victoria Regina,” and on the reverse
Britannia is represented in an erect position, instead of being seated.
In her right hand, outstretched, is a laurel wreath. An oval shield with
the crosses of the Union is on the left arm, and in the hand are other
wreaths. The British Lion forms an appropriate background, above is the
word “India,” and in the exergue the date 1857–1858. The ribbon is
French-white, with two red stripes. It was granted to all engaged in
operations against the rebels or mutineers, and was also conferred on
non-military persons who had borne arms as volunteers against them.
There are five bars attached, respectively inscribed “Delhi,” “Defence
of Lucknow,” “Relief of Lucknow,” “Lucknow,” and “Central India.” The
first clasp was granted to the troops employed in the operations
against, and at the assault of, Delhi; that for the “Defence of Lucknow”
was conferred on all of the original garrison, under Major-General
Inglis, and to those who succoured them, and continued the defence under
Major-Generals Sir Henry Havelock and Sir James Outram, until relieved
by Lord Clyde; “Relief of Lucknow” was given to the troops engaged in
the operations against that place, under the immediate command of Lord
Clyde, in November, 1857; and the clasp of “Lucknow” was awarded to the
force engaged under his lordship’s immediate command in March, 1858, in
the final capture of the town, and in all operations connected
therewith; “Central India” was granted to the column under Major-General
Sir Hugh Rose, G.C.B., engaged in the operations against Jhansi, Calpee,
and Gwalior, and also to the troops, which, under the command of
Major-Generals Roberts and Whitlock respectively, performed such
important service in Central India. Four was the greatest number of bars
issued with any one medal, and the medal was given to the Naval Brigade,
without a bar, and with bars, for “Relief of Lucknow,” and “Lucknow.”
SIEGE OF DELHI.
30TH. MAY TO 14TH. SEPTEMBER, 1857.
Sunday, the 10th. of May, 1857, will never cease to be remembered in
India. An outbreak, for some time contemplated, broke out at Meerut in
the afternoon of that day. A century had elapsed since Clive’s
celebrated battle of Plassey, the forerunner of so many victories gained
in India, by the valuable co-operation of the Native troops, when the
latter, forgetful of their former glories and of their loyalty, burst
out into mutiny, with the view of overthrowing British supremacy in the
East; the outbreak of Vellore, in the Madras Presidency, in 1806, having
been the only exception to the long-continued fidelity of the Sepoy
soldier. During the operations against Persia the Court of Delhi had
entered into correspondence with the Shah, and Dost Mahomed, the
Sovereign of Cabool, had been urged to invade the Punjab when, by the
secession of the Bengal native army, the time should be opportune. The
grievance of the greased cartridges was indeed urged, but the
combination had been for some time forming, and the name of the King of
Delhi, over eighty years of age, was imagined to be a “tower of
strength” in the endeavour to be made to restore the supremacy of the
Mogul dynasty.
There is no doubt the rebellion was prematurely commenced; but scenes of
the most heart-rending descriptions occurred, and several officers,
ladies, and even children fell victims to the brutality of the Sepoys.
Outbreaks occurred at Allahabad, Jhansi, Azimghur, Bareilly, Lucknow,
Cawnpore, Benares, and other places; the European women and children
being, in many cases, murdered, and the several mutinous regiments all
made for Delhi, hastening thither, as a central point, from all
quarters, and committing the greatest outrages.
When the mutineers had seized Delhi, and proclaimed a descendant of the
Mogul as king, their next object was to gain the chief magazine in that
city. After a gallant defence it was exploded by order of Lieutenant
Willoughby, who died of his wounds. Sculley and Buckley were the two
gunners, and the former, who fired the train, escaped, together with the
other heroes Lieutenants Forrest and Raynor.
At this momentous period the Commander-in-Chief in India was General the
Honourable George Anson, who had proceeded to Simla to escape the heat
of the plains. Immediately upon receiving intelligence of the mutiny, he
hurried to Umballa, and collecting all the available troops,[176]
marched on Delhi, but died of cholera at Kurnaul on the 27th. of May.
His successor was Major-General Reed, who on the day following quitted
Rawul Pindee, and arrived early in June at the camp of Major-General Sir
Henry Barnard, K.C.B., at Aleepore, where a numerous force had been
collected.
While Brigadier-General Archdale Wilson hastened with a body of troops
from Meerut to join the former, the mutineers from Delhi attempted to
intercept his march. He was attacked on the 30th. of May at
Ghazee-ood-deen-nuggur, when seven hundred British soldiers defeated a
disciplined force more than seven-fold their number. This is considered
as the commencement of operations before Delhi.
On the following day (Whit-Sunday) the attack was renewed, and the enemy
was again repulsed, twenty-six guns being captured. The 6th. Dragoon
Guards and first battalion 60th. Rifles have reason to be proud of their
deeds performed this day. No further opposition was encountered, and
Brigadier-General Wilson joined Sir Henry Barnard at Aleepore. The
united forces commenced their march shortly after midnight, and
Brigadier-General Reed being unable from sickness to proceed with the
army, the command devolved on Major-General Sir Henry Barnard.
At dawn on the 8th. of June the British arrived before Badlee-ke-Serai,
a fortified position, when the enemy opened fire. Brigadier Hope Grant,
C.B., with his column, consisting of portions of the 9th. Lancers, 6th.
Dragoon Guards. 75th., first battalions 60th. and 87th. were highly
distinguished. On the regimental colour of the 75th. appeared the Royal
Tiger, gained in former fields in India, and they added to their
well-earned reputation by charging the enemy with the bayonet, who
abandoned the whole of his guns.
This entrenched position being carried, Sir Henry Barnard divided his
army into two columns, one of which proceeded along the main trunk road
under Brigadier-General Wilson, while the other marched under his own
command to the site of the Delhi cantonments, before they were burnt.
Here on an eminence the mutineers were posted, which position was taken
by Sir Henry Barnard, the enemy being forced to abandon their guns;
while this rapid flank movement to the left, by Brigadier Wilson’s
column forcing its way through gardens with high walls, compelled the
foe to take refuge in Delhi, the two commanders meeting at a place named
Hindoo’s Rao’s House.
In these actions the Ghoorkas, evinced that gallantry which was so
prominent during every subsequent encounter with the enemy.
After these events the British army took up a position before Delhi. The
force at this period comprised the following Queen’s regiments:—two
squadrons of the 6th. Dragoon Guards (Carabineers), the 9th. Lancers;
head-quarters and six companies of the 60th. Rifles; head-quarters and
nine companies of the 75th. Regiment; in addition to these were three
troops of horse artillery; a company of foot artillery, a detachment of
sappers and miners, the first Bengal Fusiliers; and the head-quarters
and six companies of the second Fusiliers, and the Sirmoor battalion.
A strongly-built residence, named Hindoo Rao’s House, on the top of a
high eminence about half a mile in advance of the camp, offered an
excellent position for bombarding the town, and from the three batteries
erected thereon a constant fire of shot and shell was kept up. Between
Hindoo Rao’s House and the Grand Trunk Road the ground was rough and
rocky, covered with brushwood and enclosed gardens, over which the
Sepoys frequently crept up in skirmishing order, availing themselves of
the shelter thus afforded, but they were always repulsed by the guides
and riflemen, being at times pursued nearly to the city walls. Every
mutineer who was captured was at once shot or bayoneted.
The lines of defence were gradually advanced, and the rebels were driven
from the Subzee Mundee, formerly used as a market for vegetables, and
the Serai, a large building in front of it, which the British strongly
fortified, together with the Pagoda opposite the Moree Gate.
Early in June cholera appeared in the camp; this added to the trials of
the troops; there being in consequence of the small force scarcely any
rest by night, as the limited numbers barely admitted of relief,
lessened as they were by those required for picket duty. Fighting by
day, and being on the alert for a renewal of the conflict by night,
occasioned great fatigue, and shewed what British troops can endure;
besides which the ammunition supplies were not very plentiful for heavy
ordnance.[177] Another large Serai, near the Ajmeer Gate, was gallantly
taken on the 17th. of June, by a body of troops under Major Tombs, of
the artillery.
In consequence of a prophecy that the 23rd. of June, the centenary
anniversary of Plassey, was to be fatal to British rule in India, a
determined effort was made by the mutineers on that morning, who
advanced from the city in large bodies, and attacking the batteries,
kept up a sustained and vigorous fire throughout the day. Their prophets
proved false, for the enemy was beaten as usual.
This victory of the 23rd. of June occasioned much rejoicing in the camp.
Frequent skirmishes occurred towards the end of the month, and during
July. The besieging force had now been strengthened by a wing of the
8th. Foot and of the 61st. Regiment.
Early in July Sir Henry Barnard died of cholera, when the command
devolved on Major-General Reed, who, although the senior, had
relinquished it to him upon the decease of General Anson. Reed, on
account also of ill-health, was soon compelled to give over the command
to Brigadier-General Wilson. The 8th. and 61st. Regiments suffered
severely from cholera, attributed to their long march during the height
of the rainy season. The former, in four months, from July to October,
lost one hundred and thirty-three men, and the deaths in the latter
during the same period amounted to two hundred and forty-six.
A sortie was made by the enemy on the 9th. of July. During the forenoon
of the 14th. another attack occurred in which Brigadier-General
Chamberlain, the Adjutant-General, was severely wounded; Captain Norman,
of the 31st. Native Infantry (frequently thanked in the dispatches for
his services), the second in the department, was appointed to carry on
the duties of this arduous office. On the 18th. and 23rd. other sorties
took place, and the rebels were again repulsed.
Two dense columns of the enemy attempted, on the 31st. of July, to gain
the rear of the British camp, but the bridges having been destroyed,
they were unable to cross the canal, and after a brisk cannonade the
troops returned to the city. An attack sustained with great
determination occurred on the 1st. of August, the anniversary of the
great Mahomedan festival, commemorating Abraham’s sacrifice, not of
Isaac, but of Ishmael, when the mutineers received a severe punishment.
Brigadier Showers, on the 12th. of that month, succeeded in capturing
four of the enemy’s guns. Four days previously Brigadier-General
Nicholson reached the camp in advance of his column, which had been
employed in disarming rebellion in the Punjab;[178] his force consisting
of two thousand five hundred men, Europeans and Sikhs, was a welcome
addition to the army before Delhi.
Brigadier-General Nicholson gained a brilliant victory over the enemy at
Nujjuffghur, twenty miles from Delhi, on the 25th. of August, and thus
prevented an attack upon the rear of the British camp.
For some time the siege train from Meerut had been anxiously expected,
and on the morning of the 4th. of September it arrived.
A crisis was now fast approaching; fifty-four siege guns were placed in
position in several batteries, and on the 11th. of September an
incessant fire was opened, and sustained, upon the line of defence
between the Water and Cashmere Gates. The latter was in ruins on the
13th., and shortly after three o’clock on the following morning, the
assaulting columns prepared to advance. There were four columns of
attack; Brigadier-General Nicholson commanded the first;
Brigadier-General Jones the second; Brigadier Campbell the third; and
Major Reid the fourth. There was also a fifth reserve column under
Brigadier Longfield.
It being necessary to blow open the Cashmere Gate, in order that the
attacking force might effect an entrance into the city, this desperate
duty was performed by Lieutenants Home and Salkeld,[179] of the
Engineers. The latter died of his wounds, and the former was shortly
afterwards killed by an explosion, whilst blowing up a fort abandoned by
the rebels in Bolundshuhur.
Brigadier Nicholson with the first column of attack, consisting of three
hundred men of the 75th., two hundred and fifty of the 1st. European
Bengal Fusiliers, and five hundred of the 2nd. Punjab Infantry was
ordered to assault the breach in the Cashmere Curtain Gate. A portion
escaladed the left face of the bastion of the gate, while the remainder,
covered by the fire of the 60th., rushed up the breach made upon their
left of the gate. After reaching the Cabool Gate, so destructive a fire
was opened by the enemy, that the advancing troops were compelled to
desist. Their gallant commander, Nicholson, whilst inducing the men to
renew the attempt, here fell mortally wounded, and died nine days
afterwards. Colonel Herbert, of the 75th., was previously wounded on the
glacis, and the command of this portion of the assaulting column
devolved on Captain William Brookes, of that regiment.
Brigadier William Jones with the second column, composed of the 8th.,
2nd. European Bengal Fusiliers, and 4th. Sikh regiment of infantry (the
storming party consisted of seventy-five men of these corps, and the
assault was led by Brevet-Major R. S. Baynes, of the 8th. Foot, who was
dangerously wounded), covered by the fire of the skirmishers of the
60th. Rifles, advanced through the breach in the bastion at the Water
Gate, and gained possession of the walls as far as the Cabool Gate
without meeting any check. Upon reaching the latter the troops turned
one of the guns immediately on the Lahore Gate, from which the foe was
firing grape and round shot.
Colonel George Campbell, of the 52nd. Light Infantry, proceeded with the
third column of assault, consisting of two hundred and forty of the
52nd., five hundred of the 1st. Punjab Infantry, and two hundred and
sixty of the Kumaon battalion, and when the Cashmere Gate had been blown
open by the explosion, the stormers rushed in, and in a short time the
column gained possession of the main guard, where so many murders had
occurred at the outbreak of the mutiny and at once advanced to the
attack of the great mosque, the Jumma Musjid, situated about the centre
of the city. When almost close to the mosque, it was found that there
were no means of gaining an entrance, the force being without
powder-bags or artillery; and having to sustain a concentrated musketry
fire from the surrounding houses, the column was eventually compelled to
withdraw.
Major Reid, of the Sirmoor Battalion, who led the fourth column
(consisting of fifty men of the 60th. Rifles, two hundred Sirmoor
Battalion, one hundred and sixty 1st. Fusiliers, two hundred Guides,
twenty-five Coke’s Corps, sixty-five Kumaon Battalion, eighty 61st.
Regiment,—seven hundred and eighty in all), was severely wounded; his
fall checked the advance of the Goorkhas; Captain D. D. Muter, of the
1st. battalion of the 60th., succeeded to the command; and the rush of
the Rifles and Fusiliers placed them for a moment in possession of the
breastwork at the end of the Serai of Kishengunge, but being
unsupported, were unable to maintain the position, under the heavy
flanking fire to which they became exposed.
Meanwhile the cavalry brigade (consisting of two hundred of the 9th.
Lancers, and four hundred and ten Natives from the Guides, 1st., 2nd.,
and 5th. Punjab Cavalry, and Hodson’s Horse; with three guns of the
first Troop Horse Artillery, and four guns of the second, under Major
Toombs), commanded by Brigadier Hope Grant, forming in front of the
walls, proceeded to the Cabool Gate, and although exposed to a heavy
fire, did excellent service by preventing the mutineers, who came out in
great numbers through the gardens, from attacking the British batteries.
During the operation on the 14th. of September the casualties amounted
to eleven hundred and seventy killed, wounded, and missing.
Lieutenant-Colonel Deacon, of the 61st., succeeded in capturing the
magazine in the city of Delhi, on the 16th. of September. Not a word was
spoken, not a trigger pulled, until the stormers and the support had
reached the summit of the breach and the magazine yard, when a cheer and
a charge were given and made, on which the enemy, taken most completely
by surprise, fled precipitately, throwing down the port-fires at their
guns. Several of them were bayoneted close to the breach, the others
were closely pursued by the 61st. and the 4th. Punjab Infantry. A party
under Lieutenant-Colonel Rainey, of the former (under the guidance of
Captain H. W. Norman, Assistant-Adjutant-General), having passed through
the magazine, turned to their left, and spiked a gun, which was in
position on the eastern wall of the city, and which was pointed at the
College Garden Battery; here the enemy fought desperately.
Assistant-Surgeon Reade and Colour-Sergeant Mitchell, both of the 61st.,
also spiked a gun. One hundred and seventy guns, together with stores of
all descriptions, were found in the magazine. During the fore and
afternoon attacks were made by the rebels, which were repulsed on every
occasion by the troops then within the walls, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Farquhar, of the Belooch Battalion.
A determined opposition was kept up for a few days in the city, and only
slow progress was made; but on the morning of the 20th., possession was
secured of the Lahore Gate, and the troops then advanced upon the other
bastions and gates, until the entire defences of the city were acquired.
The enemy, unable to withstand the uninterrupted and vigorous fire from
the guns and mortars, from the first entrance of the city by the
British, and the steady and persevering advance of the troops, at length
took to flight, abandoning their camp, property, and several of their
sick and wounded, besides the greater portion of their field artillery;
some four or five thousand fled across the bridge of boats into the
Doab, or country between the Jumna and the Ganges, and the rest along
the right bank of the former river.
After the gate of the palace had been blown in, it was occupied by the
troops about noon on Sunday, the 20th. of September, and the
head-quarters of Major-General Wilson were established therein the same
day. The rapid advance upon the Jumna Musjid by Major Brind, of the
artillery, with a detachment of fifty men of the 8th. Foot, and twenty
of the 1st. Bengal European Fusiliers, under the command of Captain
Bannatyne, of the former regiment, an entrance into which was forced
about an hour and a half prior to the assault upon the palace,
contributed towards the success of the operations, and the complete
occupation of the city. At sunrise on the 21st. a royal salute
proclaimed that Delhi was again under British rule; the aged Sovereign,
after a trial, being sent a prisoner for life to Rangoon.[180]
When the capture of Delhi was completed, a flying column, under the
command of Lieutenant-Colonel E. H. Greathed,[181] consisting of the
9th. Lancers, 8th. and 75th. Regiments, the 2nd. and 4th. Punjab
Infantry, two hundred of Hodson’s Horse with the 1st., 2nd., and 5th.
Punjab Cavalry and Horse Artillery, proceeded on the morning of the
23rd. of September, from Delhi in a south-easterly direction upon
Bolundshuhur and Allyghur, with a view of cutting off the mutineers on
the right bank of the Jumna, in their endeavour to pass the river into
the Doab. At Bolundshuhur, on the 28th. of September, the column
defeated a body of the enemy, and afterwards destroyed the fort of
Malaghur; here, Lieutenant Home, who shared in the blowing open of the
Cashmere Gate at Delhi, met an accidental death by an explosion of
gunpowder. While on the march along the Great Trunk road to Allyghur,
the rebels were again encountered and scattered.
Pursuing this successful course the troops arrived at Agra, after a
night march from Hattrass; fatigued as they were, and while preparing to
encamp, an attack was suddenly made upon them on the 10th. of October,
by a numerous body of the enemy. In the action which ensued, the 9th.
Lancers were specially mentioned. Lieutenant-Colonel Cotton, commanding
at Agra, at once repaired to the camp, and assumed the command, but
Lieutenant-Colonel Greathed was not aware of his presence for some time.
The attack was soon overpowered, and turned into a complete rout,
notwithstanding several ineffectual attempts to make a stand, and the
pursuit was continued during the rest of the day for a distance of
eleven miles, the whole of the enemy’s guns, twelve in number, being
captured. This was effected under the rays of an Indian sun, and with
comparatively small loss, but the casualties of the enemy were immense.
Lieutenant-Colonel Greathed having crossed the Jumna was joined, on the
14th. of October, by Brigadier Hope Grant,[182] who, as senior officer,
took the command. After dismantling the fort of a rebel Rajah of
Mynporee, who did not attempt any resistance, the column put to flight a
body of fugitives from Delhi, killing many of them. Possession was
gained of the fort of Jhujjur by Brigadier Showers, on the 17th. of
October, which is regarded as the close of the operations against Delhi.
Brigadier Grant, continuing his march, arrived at Cawnpore on the 28th.
of October, and on the 30th. crossed the Ganges, reaching the vicinity
of the Alumbagh on the 8th. of the following month.
The troops engaged at Delhi were—Artillery (European and Native); 6th.
Dragoon Guards; 9th. Lancers; 1st. and 2nd. Hodson’s Horse; and 1st.,
2nd., and 5th. Punjaub Cavalry; 8th., 52nd., 60th., 61st., and 75th.
Royal Bengal Fusiliers; Bengal Sappers and Miners; 32nd. Bengal
Infantry; 1st., 2nd., 4th. and 24th. Punjaub Infantry; 2nd. and 3rd.
Ghoorkas; 4th. Sikh Infantry; 27th. Bombay Light Infantry; Irregular and
Guide Cavalry and Infantry; and the Belooch Battalion.
DEFENCE OF LUCKNOW.
29TH. JUNE TO 25TH. SEPTEMBER, 1857.
Sir Henry Lawrence, having received information in the evening of the
29th. of June, that a body of rebels were about to march upon Lucknow
from the village of Chinnahut, distant about eight miles from the town,
determined on making a reconnoissance. This was accordingly commenced on
the following day. Misled by the reports of wayfarers, who stated that
there were few or no men between Lucknow and Chinnahut, the troops
proceeded a greater distance than was originally intended, and suddenly
fell in with the enemy, who had up to that moment eluded the vigilance
of the advanced guard by concealing themselves, in overwhelming numbers,
behind a long line of trees.
For some time the foe was held in check by the force, composed of three
hundred of the 32nd., and portions of the 13th., 48th., and 71st. Native
Infantry, with the howitzer; but the Oude artillerymen and drivers were
traitors, and they overturned their six guns into ditches, cut the
traces of their horses, and abandoned them, notwithstanding the
remonstrances of their own officers, and of those on Sir Henry
Lawrence’s staff, the Brigadier himself heading them, and drawing his
sword upon the caitiffs. Thus exposed to a vastly superior fire of
artillery, and completely outflanked on both sides by the enemy’s
infantry and cavalry, which actually penetrated to the rear, the British
were forced to retire with the loss of three pieces of artillery, and
with a sad list of killed and wounded.
By this untoward event the whole available force was so far diminished,
that there was not a sufficient number of men remaining to occupy the
Residency and the fort named Muchhee Bhowun, an old dilapidated edifice
which had been hastily put in repair, although the defences were far
from complete, and were moreover commanded by many houses in the city.
The Brigadier-General therefore, on the 1st. of July,[183] signalled the
garrison of the Muchhee Bhowun to evacuate and blow up that fortress in
the course of the night. The orders were ably carried out, and at twelve
p.m. the troops marched into the Residency with their guns and treasure,
without the loss of a man; and shortly afterwards the explosion of two
hundred and forty barrels of gunpowder and six millions of ball
cartridges, which were lying in the magazine, announced to Sir Henry
Lawrence and his officers—who were anxiously waiting the report—the
complete destruction of that post, and all that it contained. If it had
not been for this wise and strategic measure, no member of the Lucknow
garrison, in all probability, would have survived to tell the tale: for,
as the Muchhee Bhowun was commanded from other parts of the town, and
was moreover indifferently provided with heavy artillery ammunition,
while the suffering and loss which the Residency garrison (even with the
reinforcements thus obtained) endured in holding the position, proved
that if the original intention of holding the two posts had been adhered
to, both would inevitably have fallen.
A sad calamity occurred at the outset. On the first of July, an
eight-inch shell burst in the room of the Residency in which Sir Henry
Lawrence was sitting. The missile burst between him and Mr. Couper,
close to both, but without injury to either. The whole of his staff
implored Sir Henry to take up other quarters, as the place had then
become the special target for the round shot and shell of the enemy.
This, however, he jestingly declined to do, observing that another shell
would certainly never be pitched into that small room. On the very next
day, however, he was mortally wounded by the fragment of another shell
which burst exactly in the same spot, and Captain Wilson,
Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General, received a contusion. Sir Henry
Lawrence terminated his distinguished career on the morning of the 4th.
of July, having previously directed Brigadier-General Inglis to take the
command of the troops, and Major Banks to succeed to the office of chief
commissioner.
Scarcely had the garrison recovered this shock, when it had to lament
the death of Major Banks, who received a bullet through his head while
examining a critical outpost on the 21st. of July.
When the blockade was commenced only two of the batteries were
completed, and the defences were in an unfinished condition, the
buildings in the immediate vicinity, which gave cover to the enemy,
being only partially cleared away. Indeed the heaviest losses were
caused by the fire from the enemy’s sharpshooters, stationed in the
adjoining mosques and houses of the native nobility, the necessity of
destroying which had been repeatedly pressed on Sir Henry by the staff
of engineers, but his invariable reply was, “Spare the holy places, and
private property as far as possible;” and the garrison consequently
suffered severely from this tenderness to the religious prejudices, and
respect to the rights, of the rebellious citizens and soldiery.
Then ensued a defence as heroic as any in the annals of war. The
narrative of Brigadier Inglis, simple and earnest, will never be
forgotten by his countrymen. By it the reader will see that not a
building within the walls of the Residency was safe;[184] the wounded
were shot while in hospital, and ladies and children met the same fate
in houses considered secure. The enemy, while working the guns concealed
by the trenches, were shielded from the fire of the garrison, upon whom
an incessant cannonade was kept up until the 20th. of July, at ten
o’clock, on which morning the besiegers, in great numbers, after
exploding a mine within the British defences, attempted to storm the
Residency, and did not cease their efforts until two o’clock in the
afternoon, being driven back by the gallant defenders, who were
sustained by the consciousness of the mighty trust committed to their
charge.
It was not until the 10th. of August that another assault was attempted,
although during the interval the forlorn garrison became exposed to a
constant fire, with famine staring it in the face. This second attempt,
similar in its features to the first, commencing with the springing of a
mine close to the brigade mess, although repeated at various points, met
with a like result; in some instances the defenders, acting like
grenadiers of a former time, dislodged the foe with hand-grenades. On
the 18th. of August another mine was sprung in front of the Sikh lines
with deadly effect, burying alive eleven men beneath the ruins, whence
it was impossible to extricate them, owing to the tremendous fire kept
up by the enemy from houses distant less than ten yards in front of the
breach. Captain Orr, unattached, and Lieutenants Mecham and Soppitt were
blown into the air, but, wonderful to state, received no further injury
than a severe shaking. A general assault followed the explosion, which
was soon repulsed; but the enemy succeeded in establishing themselves in
one of the houses of the British position, from which they were driven
in the evening by the bayonets of the 32nd. and 84th. regiments.
Fresh mines were sprung on the 5th. of September, when the last serious
assault was made. It was in vain; all these repeated attacks met
everywhere with defeat. Thus ended the four great struggles which
occurred during the siege. For eighty-seven days and nights officers and
men stood or slept under arms.
Notwithstanding all the hardships experienced, the garrison made no less
than five sorties, in which two of the enemy’s heaviest guns were
spiked, and several of the houses, from which a harassing fire was
experienced, were blown up. Cholera, small pox, and an unknown, but
fatal disease, added to the loss sustained from the enemy’s fire.
Delicate women, some whilst in their earliest grief for the loss of
their husbands, assisted in nursing the sick and wounded. The names of
Birch, Polehampton, Barbor, and Gall, will descend to posterity as
worthy imitators of Florence Nightingale.
The conduct of the 32nd. (reduced to less than three hundred), and the
detachment of the 84th. was splendid. The loyalty of the native troops,
but especially the 13th., was never surpassed. The other regiments were
the 48th. and 71st. Native Infantry,[185] the European and Native
Artillery, and the Sikhs of the respective corps.[186] The number of
artillerymen was so reduced, that on the occasion of an attack, the
gunners, although aided by men of the 32nd. regiment, and by volunteers
of all classes, had to run from one battery to another, wherever the
enemy’s fire was hottest, there not being nearly sufficient men to serve
half the number of guns at the same time. Eventually the number of
European gunners was only twenty-four, while, including mortars, there
were no less than thirty guns in position. So near too were the heavy
guns of the assailants, that their taunts and threats addressed to the
native defenders could be easily heard; besides which many of the
British military airs, such as “Brighton Camp,” “See, the Conquering
Hero Comes,” and the “National Anthem,” were, with matchless effrontery,
frequently played by the enemy.
In general orders it was announced that “There does not stand recorded
in the annals of war an achievement more truly heroic than the defence
of the Residency at Lucknow. The good services of H.M.’s 32nd. regiment
throughout this struggle have been remarkable.”
“LUCKNOW” has been authorized to be borne on the regimental colour and
appointments of the 32nd., which for its gallantry, has been constituted
light infantry; and the Queen’s officers and men of the garrison were
allowed to reckon one year’s additional service.
While the force, under Brigadier Inglis, afterwards advanced to the rank
Major-General, and appointed a Knight Commander of the Bath, had been
defending the Residency of Lucknow, the eyes of Europe were directed to
the efforts made for its relief by Brigadier-General Havelock, who,
after his Division in Persia had been broken up, proceeded to Bombay,
and thence to Calcutta. He was immediately selected to command a
moveable column, and hearing that the mutineers were proceeding from
Cawnpore[187] towards Futtehpore, a forced march, under a burning sun,
was made upon that place. Major Renaud joined him on the road with about
eight hundred troops, the latter having been actively engaged in
suppressing the mutiny in the neighbourhood. This column consisted of
the third company eighth battalion of the Royal Artillery, seventy-six;
1st. Madras Fusiliers, three hundred and seventy-six; 64th. regiment,
four hundred and thirty-five; 78th. Highlanders, two hundred and
eighty-four; 84th. regiment, one hundred and ninety; detachment of the
Bengal Artillery, twenty-two; Volunteer Cavalry, twenty; total British,
one thousand four hundred and three. The native troops:—The Regiment of
Ferozepore, four hundred and forty-eight; 13th. Irregular and 3rd. Oude
Irregular Cavalry, ninety-five; Galundauze, eighteen; total native
troops, five hundred and sixty-one; in all, one thousand nine hundred
and sixty-four. It is computed that the mutineers numbered three
thousand five hundred, and they occupied a strong position at
Futtehpore, with twelve guns.
Pushing forward two of their guns, they commenced, on the 12th. of July,
a cannonade on the British front, while a body of infantry and cavalry
threatened the flanks. The enemy had imagined an easy victory over Major
Renaud’s force, but they found Brigadier-General Havelock ready to
receive them. Astonished by the precision of the fire of the guns under
Captain Maude, of the Royal Artillery, and the deadly aim of the Enfield
rifles, they fell back upon Futtehpore in disorder, leaving three of
their cannon. Here they endeavoured to make a stand, but were compelled
to take to flight, abandoning twelve guns. This victory, in Havelock’s
order of the day, was attributed “to the British Artillery, to the
Enfield rifle, to British pluck, and to the blessing of Almighty God.”
Brigadier-General Havelock continued his march upon Cawnpore, and on the
15th. of July was twice engaged with the mutineers, first at the village
of Aeng, and next at the bridge over the Pandoo Nuddee. Successful in
both instances, the column pushed on, having captured the two guns with
which it had been intended to defend the bridge. After it had been
carried, information was received that Nena Sahib occupied a position at
Ahirwa; this position was a very strong one, and in order to save the
troops from the fire of his heavy guns, the British General make a flank
movement, which resulted on the 16th. in a direct charge with the
bayonet. The 78th. Highlanders, gallantly led by Colonel Hamilton,
supported by the Madras Fusiliers, succeeded in turning the enemy’s left
flank; while the 64th. and 84th., and the Regiment of Ferozepore, broke
the right: the mutineers were driven headlong on Cawnpore, leaving a
twenty-four pounder on the field.
The victors bivouacked on the ground, from which the roofless barracks
at Cawnpore could be perceived. When Nena Sahib[188] saw that nothing
could withstand the advance of the avenging column, he gave directions
on the 17th. for the massacre of the women and children in his power,
and with savage barbarity caused their bodies to be thrown into a well.
Early on that morning a heavy explosion was heard, arising from the
blowing up, by the enemy, of the magazine at Cawnpore, when Nena Sahib
was withdrawing thence upon Bithoor. Cawnpore was at once occupied, and
the troops were horrified at the traces which remained of the massacre.
The capture of the castellated palace of Nena Sahib at Bithoor, where he
was unable to make a stand, was effected without firing a shot, and
twenty guns were taken.
Upon Brigadier-General Neill’s arrival at Cawnpore, from Benares, he was
left in command of the former place, whilst Brigadier-General Havelock
commenced his march upon Lucknow. Having passed the Ganges into Oude,
the mutineers were next encountered near Unao, on the 29th. of July. The
action was commenced by the 78th. Highlanders and the 1st. Fusiliers,
with two guns. Afterwards, the 64th., commanded by Colonel Wilson, were
ordered up. Patrick Cavanagh, a private of that regiment, was hewn in
pieces by the Sepoys whilst exhibiting to his comrades an example of the
highest gallantry. This valiant soldier had he survived would have
received the Victoria Cross. At the narrow pass between the village and
the town of Unao the mutineers were discovered in great force, but,
after an obstinate contest, they sought safety in flight. Subsequently
the troops pushed on towards Busherut Gunge, a walled town, with wet
ditches, which was captured by the 1st. Fusiliers, 64th., and 78th.
regiments.
Major-General Havelock’s[189] force was not of sufficient strength to
continue the advance upon Lucknow, cholera having broken out amongst
them; and he fell back on the 2nd. of August, on Munghowar. On the 5th.
he again attacked the enemy at Busherut Gunge, driving them out of the
town with great slaughter. Preparations were next commenced for passing
over the Ganges to Cawnpore. The baggage had already been forwarded
across the river, when he resolved, on the 11th. of August, to attack
the mutineers a third time at Busherut Gunge, where they had once more
collected in great force, and again defeated them.
Returning to their former position at Munghowar, the troops, on the
12th. and 13th. of August, crossed the Ganges to Cawnpore, where they
arrived, nearly worn out by fatigue, sickness, and constant exposure to
an Indian sun. Almost immediately, however, they struck another
effective blow on the mutineers. A large body of them had collected at
Bithoor, and were menacing Brigadier-General Neill at Cawnpore.
Major-General Havelock, uniting his force with the former, marched on
Bithoor, and gained another victory. During these several encounters
forty guns had been taken, and sixty more recovered for the government.
Great loss had been inflicted on the enemy, while the British casualties
were comparatively small.
The British column afterwards remained at Cawnpore waiting for
reinforcements, and on the 16th. of September, Major-General Sir James
Outram arrived with the welcome aid; although the senior officer, he
nobly relinquished to Major-General Havelock the honour of relieving the
Lucknow garrison, and accompanied the column as Chief Commissioner of
Oude, proffering his military services as a volunteer.
On the 19th. and 20th. of September, the relieving force, amounting to
about two thousand five hundred men, and seventeen guns crossed the
Ganges. The 5th. Fusiliers, 84th., detachments of the 64th. and 1st.
Madras Fusiliers, composed the first infantry brigade, under
Brigadier-General Neill; the 78th. Highlanders, 90th. Light Infantry,
and the Sikh Ferozepore regiment, made up the second brigade, under
Brigadier Hamilton, of the 78th.; Major Cooper commanded the artillery
brigade, consisting of Captains Maude, Oliphant, and Major Eyre’s
batteries; Captain Borrow commanded the Volunteers and Irregular
Cavalry.
Only a feeble resistance was offered by the enemy, who retired upon the
old position of Munghowar. Here they were attacked on the morning of the
21st. of September, and after an obstinate contest were routed, two of
the four guns captured, being taken in a cavalry charge led by Sir James
Outram.
Continuing the march on Lucknow, the rebels were discovered on the
23rd., in a strong position, with their left resting on the enclosure of
the Alumbagh, an isolated building to the south-east of the city of
Lucknow, and about three miles from the Residency, their centre and
right being drawn up behind a chain of hillocks. Five guns were taken by
the British on this day, but the relieving force was incessantly
cannonaded throughout the 24th. The enemy’s cavalry, one thousand
strong, made a sudden irruption upon the baggage massed in the rear;
when the soldiers of the 90th. Light Infantry forming the baggage guard
gallantly dispersed the whole body, but not without losing some brave
officers and men.
As the troops had been marching for three days under a perfect deluge of
rain, irregularly fed, and badly housed in villages, the assault on the
city was deferred until the 25th. On that morning the baggage and tents
were deposited in the Alumbagh, and the force advanced. The gratifying
object of relieving the garrison was the result, but great loss was
sustained by the constant fire from the flat-roofed and loopholed
houses, the gallant Brigadier-General Neill being shot dead; but every
obstacle was at length overcome, and the troops established themselves
within the enclosure of the Residency.[190] It was not, however, until
the following evening that the remainder of the force, with the sick and
wounded, constantly exposed to the attacks of the foe, could be brought
in. This succour is regarded, in respect to the medal-clasps, as a
continuation of the defence of Lucknow.
RELIEF OF LUCKNOW.
17TH. NOVEMBER, 1857.
Sir Colin Campbell,[191] who, like Sir Charles Napier, had proceeded at
a moment’s notice to India, did not find the task completed, as was the
case in the Punjaub emergency. There was work to be done, and how nobly
and successfully it was performed is now matter of history. Troops
constantly arrived from England at Calcutta, and were moved up to
Cawnpore as speedily as possible, but owing to the want of transport,
only slow progress was made, and Sir Colin was not prepared to proceed
therefrom for the final relief of the garrison at Lucknow before the
9th. of November. By a rapid march he joined, on the same day that he
quitted Cawnpore, the column under Brigadier-General Grant in camp at
Buntara, about six miles from the Alumbagh. Remaining there for
reinforcements until the 12th. of November, he advanced on the Alumbagh,
which he reached in the evening, after having captured the guns of a
body of the enemy who had attacked his vanguard. As the direct road from
the Alumbagh to the Residency was through the heart of the city of
Lucknow,[192] wherein every street was a fortification, the houses being
loopholed and filled with desperate men, Sir Colin determined to make a
detour to the right, and after forcing his way through the Dilkoosha
park and the Martinière, to cross the canal to the east of Lucknow, and
then arrive at the Residency by a circuitous route round the north-east
corner of the city. Very great assistance was afforded to the military
operations at Cawnpore and the vicinity by the Naval Brigade, under
their gallant leader, the late Captain (afterwards Sir William) Peel.
The Brigade consisted of about five hundred and eighty officers and men
the crew of H.M.S. “Shannon,” with six 8-inch guns from the ship. With a
small military force of about seven hundred men, under Captain Powell,
they were engaged on the 1st. of November at Kadjwa, twenty-four miles
from Futtehpore, and succeeded in routing with severe loss, the
mutineers, amounting to four thousand men. On the loss of Captain
Powell, who was killed in this encounter, the command fell upon Captain
Peel. The duties were very arduous; after this battle, with the
exception of a day’s rest for the footsore men, who had marched
seventy-two miles in three days, besides gaining the above victory,
daily marches had to be made in order to join the column before Lucknow,
where the brigade arrived on November 12th. At the attack on the
Secundra Bagh, Midshipman Daniel and three or four of the brigade were
killed, and Lieutenant Salmon and above a dozen men wounded. On January
2nd. the brigade took part in the battle of Kallee-Nuddee, in which the
mutineers were severely defeated; and on the 3rd. of March was before
Lucknow, and shared in the capture of the Dilkoosah. Captain Peel was
wounded on March 9th. and died of small pox on his way to Calcutta. With
the capture of Lucknow the active services of the brigade ended, and on
September 15th. following, the “Shannon” sailed for England. Another
Naval Brigade, under Captain Sotheby, of H.M.S. “Pearl,” numbering about
two hundred and fifty officers and men, known as the “Pearl Brigade,”
served for about fifteen months with the Goruckpore Field Force, and
took part in several engagements with the mutineers.
On the 15th. of November, as the troops approached the park, the leading
men were met by a long line of musketry fire; the advanced guard was
quickly reinforced by a field battery and companies of infantry, when
after a running fight of nearly two hours, the rebels were driven across
the garden and park at the Martinière, and far beyond the canal. Both
the park and the latter building were at once occupied by the troops,
when they sustained an attack in front, and promptly driving back the
enemy, pursued them across the canal.
Early on the morning of the 16th. of November, the victorious troops
proceeded to attack the Secundra Bagh (garden or plantation), a high
walled enclosure of strong masonry, one hundred and twenty yards square,
and carefully loopholed all round. This post was numerously defended.
Opposite to it, at a distance of one hundred yards, was a village which
was likewise loopholed, and filled with men. As the head of the column
advanced along the lane to the left of the Secundra Bagh, a fire was
opened on it by the enemy, which was hotly maintained for an hour and a
half on both sides. A small breach having been made, it was determined
to storm the position, and this was effected by the remainder of the
Highlanders and the 53rd. and 4th. Punjaub Infantry, supported by a
battalion of detachments under Major Barnston.[193]
After this brilliant commencement Captain Peel’s Royal Naval Siege Train
proceeded to the front, and advanced towards the Shah Nujjeef, together
with the field battalion and some mortars, the village to the left
having been cleared by Brigadier the Honourable Adrian Hope and
Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon. This position was resolutely defended against
a heavy cannonade of three hours. It was then stormed in the boldest
manner by the 93rd. Highlanders, under Brigadier Hope, supported by a
battalion of detachments under Major Barnston, who was wounded. Captain
Peel gallantly led up his heavy guns within a few yards of the building,
to batter the massive stone walls. This concluded the day’s operations,
and about three o’clock in the afternoon of the 17th. a building named
the “Mess House,” after being cannonaded by Captain Peel, was stormed by
a company of the 90th. under Captain Wolseley, and a picket of the
53rd., under Captain Hopkins, supported by Major Barnston’s battalion of
detachments under Captain Guise of the 90th., with some of the Punjaub
Infantry under Lieutenant Powlett. The place was immediately carried,
and the troops pushed forward with great vigour, and lined the wall
separating the Mess House from the Motee Mahal. Here a final stand was
made, but after an hour’s fighting, during which openings had been
broken in the wall, the opposition was overcome, and the soldiers
pouring through with a body of sappers, accomplished the communications
with the Residency. Shortly afterwards Sir Colin had the gratification
of greeting Sir James Outram and Sir Henry Havelock, who came out to
meet him before the action was terminated.
While the final relief of the besieged garrison had been thus achieved
by the indomitable gallantry of the army under Sir Colin Campbell, the
garrison within the walls had not been inactive. The mines which had
been driven under the outer wall of the garden in advance of the palace,
already breached in several places by the enemy, and also under some
buildings in its vicinity, were exploded as soon as it was ascertained
that the Commander-in-Chief was assailing the Secundra Bagh; at the same
time two powerful masked batteries poured shot and shell into the
palace. When the advance sounded the effect was electrical; pent up for
six weeks, and subjected to constant attacks, the soldiers felt that the
hour of retribution had arrived. It was impossible to withstand them,
and in a few minutes the whole of the buildings were in their
possession, were armed with cannon, and steadily held against all
attacks.
It was now Sir Colin Campbell’s great object to effect the removal of
the non-combatants from the Residency, including the sick and wounded,
without subjecting them to the enemy’s fire. By a series of masterly
arrangements, which may be regarded as a perfect example of such
combinations, the desired object was attained. A fire was opened upon
the Kaiserbagh on the 20th., and when the foe was led to believe that an
immediate assault was contemplated, orders were issued for the garrison
to withdraw through the line of pickets at midnight on the 22nd.
Brigadier the Honourable Adrian Hope so ably carried out the
dispositions to cover the movement, that the mutineers were completely
deceived, and instead of following, they commenced firing on the old
positions, many hours after they had been quitted by the British.
During all these operations from the 16th. of November, the remnant of
Brigadier Greathed’s brigade closed in the rear, and again formed the
rear-guard as the troops retired to Dilkoosha, which was reached by the
whole force by four o’clock in the afternoon of the 23rd. of November.
On the previous day that valued soldier whose name is so identified with
Lucknow, the gallant Sir Henry Havelock, died of an attack of dysentery,
to the universal regret of the army, and of his country.
The troops which took part in the relief of Lucknow, were the Naval
Brigade; 9th. Lancers; 1st., 2nd., and 5th. Punjaub Cavalry; Hodson’s
Horse; Bengal Horse and Field Artillery; Punjaub Sappers and Miners; the
8th., 53rd., 75th., and 93rd. Foot; 2nd. and 4th. Punjaub Infantry.
LUCKNOW.
2ND. TO 21ST. OF MARCH, 1858.
Sir Colin Campbell, leaving a portion of his army at the Alumbagh, under
Sir James Outram, commenced his march upon Cawnpore on the 27th. of
November, 1857, and arrived at Bunnee that evening. On the following
morning he received intelligence of the attack made upon Major-General
Windham,—who had been fiercely engaged with the Gwalior rebels. That
officer on the 26th. attacked one of the enemy’s Divisions, eight miles
from Cawnpore, routed them and captured all but one gun. Next morning,
being reinforced, they returned to the assault, forced the British
within their lines at Nuwabgunge, burning down the camp of three
regiments. The Rifle Brigade under Colonel Walpole, supported by the
88th. under Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell, which suffered very severely,
were highly distinguished. On the 28th. the renewed attempts of the
enemy were triumphantly defeated.[194] Then followed the decisive battle
of the 6th. of December,[195] when the Commander-in-Chief utterly routed
the rebel army, which had been augmented by four regiments from Oude,
and the followers of Nena Sahib, estimated at not less than twenty-five
thousand men, with about thirty-six guns.
After this action Sir Colin Campbell continued at Cawnpore until the
beginning of 1858, employed in restoring order in the stronghold of the
mutiny, and in preparing to advance on Lucknow. Several assaults were
made by the rebels to dislodge Sir James Outram from his position at the
Alumbagh, before he could be aided by Sir Colin Campbell; especially on
the 12th. and 16th. of January, and subsequent months, but they were all
defeated. The first portion of the army crossed the Ganges at Cawnpore
on the 4th. of February. Brigadier Franks, while on his road to Lucknow,
on the 19th., defeated two separate bodies of the enemy, at Chanda and
Amereepore, and on the 23rd. of that month gained a decisive victory
over their united forces, when attempting to capture Badshahgunge, a
strong fort near Sultanpore. In this action the enemy lost twenty-one
guns and nearly two thousand men. The loss of the victors was _eleven_.
Being joined on this day by the siege train from Agra, and all the
requisite arrangements having been completed, Sir Colin Campbell
proceeded direct from Cawnpore to the Alumbagh, where the army arrived
on the 1st. of March. The Divisions under Brigadier-Generals Sir Hope
Grant and Walpole, who had been employed watching the mutineers, had
meanwhile rejoined, and on the following morning the Dilkoosha palace
was seized after a skirmish, in which a gun was captured from the
enemy.[196] This palace was at once occupied as an advanced post on the
right, and the Mahomed Bagh on the left, heavy guns being placed at each
point to keep down the fire of the rebels. The remainder of the siege
train and additional troops arrived on the next and succeeding days: the
right of the British line now rested on Bibiapore and the river Goomtee;
the left stretching in the direction of the Alumbagh. Brigadier-General
Franks, C.B., joined with his division on the 5th. of March,[197] after
a march of one hundred and thirty miles, during which four actions had
been fought, with the small loss of thirty-seven killed and wounded.
Thirty-four pieces of ordnance were captured.
Sir James Outram was withdrawn from the Alumbagh, and having crossed to
the left bank of the Goomtee[198] on the 6th. of March, at once pushed
on to turn the first line of the works abutting on the river, and on the
morning of the 9th. attacked the position, driving the enemy before him
at all points, until he was enabled to occupy the Fyzabad road, and
plant his batteries so as to enfilade the works on the canal.
Meanwhile a heavy fire was kept up by the British on the Martinière,
from the batteries at the Dilkoosha palace; and in the afternoon of the
9th. of March the former was stormed by the troops under Brigadiers Sir
Edward Lugard[199] and the Honourable Adrian Hope. The regiments were
the 42nd., 53rd., and 90th. Next came into operation the second part of
the plan of attack against the Kaiser Bagh, which was to use the great
blocks of houses and palaces extending from Banks’s house to the former
as the approach, instead of sapping up towards the front of the second
line of works. By these means the Commander-in-chief was able to turn
towards his own left, at the same time that the enemy was enfiladed on
the right by Sir James Outram’s advance. The latter had received orders
to plant his guns with a view of raking the position of the rebels, to
annoy the Kaiser Bagh with a vertical and direct fire,—also to attack
the suburbs in the vicinity of the iron and stone bridges shortly after
daybreak, and to command the iron bridge from the left banks. These
instructions were carried out with the most marked success, but the
enemy still clung pertinaciously to his own end of the iron bridge, on
the right bank, and heavy cannonading ensued from both sides, until the
bridge was subsequently taken in reverse. On the 11th. Sir Edward Lugard
pressed forward in like manner. As the operation had now become one of
an engineering character, the most earnest endeavours were used to save
the infantry from being hazarded before due preparation was made. The
chief engineer, Brigadier Napier, placed the batteries so as to breach
and shell a large block of the palaces designated the Begum Kotee. At
four o’clock in the morning the latter were stormed with great gallantry
by the 93rd. Highlanders, supported by the 4th. Punjaub Rifles and one
thousand Ghoorkas, led by Brigadier the Honourable Adrian Hope, under
Brigadier-General Sir Edward Lugard’s direction. The whole block of
buildings was secured by the troops, who inflicted a heavy loss on the
enemy, and the attack was pronounced by Sir Colin Campbell to have been
“the sternest struggle which occurred during the siege.”
The chief engineer pushed forward the approach with the greatest
judgment through the enclosures, by the aid of the sappers and heavy
guns, the troops immediately occupying the ground as he advanced, and
the mortars being moved from one position to another, as the ground was
won on which they could be placed. The buildings to the right, and the
Secundra Bagh, were taken early in the morning of the same day, without
opposition, and during the night of the 12th. Sir James Outram was
reinforced with a number of heavy guns and mortars, and directed to
increase his fire upon the Kaiser Bagh, while the mortars placed in a
position at the Begum’s house never ceased playing on the Imambarrah,
the next large palace it was found necessary to storm, between the Begum
Kotee and the Kaiser Bagh.
Upon Brigadier-General Franks, C.B., who had relieved Sir Edward Lugard,
and the second division with the fourth, on the 12th. of March, devolved
the duty of attacking the Imambarrah. For this purpose a column of
attack was formed on the morning of the 14th., by Brigadier David
Russell, who at the second relief of Lucknow had been severely wounded.
The Maharajah Jung Bahadoor too had joined, with a force of about nine
thousand men and twenty-four field guns, drawn by men, and took up his
position in the British line on the 12th., and moved close to the canal
on the following day. His Highness passed the canal and attacked the
suburbs in his front, and considerably to the left of Banks’s house, at
the request of the Commander-in-chief; his troops were thus most
advantageously employed in covering Sir Colin Campbell’s left for
several days, during which, from the nature of the operations, it was
necessary to mass all the available strength of the British force
towards the right in the joint attack carried along both banks of the
Goomtee.
Early on the 14th. the Imambarrah was carried, and the Sikhs of the
Ferozepore Regiment, under Major Brasyer, pressing forward in pursuit,
entered the Kaiser Bagh, the third line of defences having been turned
without a single gun being fired from them. Supports were quickly thrown
in, and all the well-known ground of former defence and attack, the Mess
House, the Tara Kotee, the Motee Mahul, and the Chutter Munzil, were
rapidly occupied by the troops, while the engineers devoted their
attention to securing the position towards the south and west. The
doomed city was now hastily evacuated by the enemy, thousands of
fugitives being seen to escape to the north and west. Flying columns
were sent after them, and building after building which had been
occupied as a defence, was successively taken, until all save the city
itself was in the hands of the British.
A combined movement was organized on the 19th. of March. Sir James
Outram moved forward directly on the Moosa Bagh, the last position of
the foe on the line of the Goomtee; the latter was cannonaded from the
left bank by Sir James Hope Grant, whilst Brigadier Campbell moved round
the western side from the Alumbagh, preventing retreat in that
direction. The rout was complete, great loss being inflicted on the
enemy by all these columns.
Major-General Sir Edward Lugard was directed to attack, on the 21st., a
stronghold in the heart of the city, held by the Moulvie. This he
occupied after a sharp contest, and it then became possible to invite
the return of the inhabitants, and to rescue the city from the horrors
of this prolonged struggle. Brigadier William Campbell, of the 2nd.
Dragoon Guards, attacked the enemy with his cavalry, when retreating
from the city in consequence of Sir Edward’s advance, occasioning them
heavy loss, and pursuing the fugitives for six miles.[200] Two days
after, Sir Hope Grant defeated a strong body of rebels, twenty miles
from the city, and captured their guns, and with this action the
recapture of Lucknow was completed.
CENTRAL INDIA.
JANUARY TO JUNE, 1858.
Major-General Sir Hugh Rose, K.C.B., at the end of January, 1858,
captured Rathghur, a strong fort in Central India. For two whole days,
the 26th. and 27th. of January, the guns of the British played upon the
walls, and when a practicable breach had been effected, the garrison, on
the 28th., endeavoured to escape by using ropes to aid them in their
descent. Meanwhile an attempt was made by the enemy outside to relieve
the fort by an attack on the rear of the camp; this was, however, soon
frustrated, and the place was taken. On the 31st. of January a victory
was gained over the insurgents, near Baroda.
An advance was next made by Sir Hugh Rose upon Saugor, where several
Europeans, amongst whom were about a hundred women and children, had
been closely besieged since July, 1857. The British general arrived
before the fort on the 3rd. of February, 1858, and effected its
immediate relief. Meanwhile Major-General Whitlock, commanding the
Madras column, had been marching towards Saugor with the same view, and
reached Jubbulpore on the 7th. of that month. Thus the Bombay and Madras
troops were gradually sweeping the country before them: and compelling
the mutinous bands to withdraw towards the line of the Jumna, where at
Calpee and Gwalior they mustered strongly.
On the 10th. and 11th. of February the fort at Garakota was captured and
demolished, when Sir Hugh Rose withdrew to Saugor, which he quitted on
the 27th. of February, and marched upon Jhansi.
The forts of Serai, Marowra, and Thal Behut, next fell into the hands of
the British. Brigadier C. S. Stuart, with the first brigade, took by
assault the fort of Chandairee on the 17th. of March; the impetuous rush
of the stormers of the 86th. Foot, and the 25th. Bombay Native Infantry,
carried everything before them; the loss before this place amounted only
to two killed and twenty-eight wounded, nineteen of these casualties
falling on the first-named regiment. The Brigadier having effected a
junction with Sir Hugh Rose, was sent on with a body of cavalry and
artillery to invest the fortress of Jhansi, a place of great strength
both natural and artificial, defended by a garrison of about twelve
thousand men, headed by a determined Amazon, the Ranee of Jhansi. Sir
Hugh Rose with the rest of the troops arrived before this stronghold on
the 21st. of March.
On the 1st. of April, the so-called army of the Peishwah, under Tantia
Topee, advanced across the Betwa to relieve the place, but this attempt
was defeated, and the enemy was pursued some distance beyond the river.
This was a remarkable action, and was fought by the small force left in
camp[201], without relaxing in the least the arduous siege and
investment of Jhansi. The victory was gained with the small loss of
fifteen killed and sixty-six wounded; seven died of wounds. The
casualties of the 14th. Light Dragoons were the greatest, namely, five
killed and twenty-four wounded. Fifteen hundred of the enemy were
killed, and all his artillery, stores, and ammunition were captured.
Captain Need’s troop of this regiment was specially commended, and
Lieutenant Leith gained the Victoria Cross for having charged alone, and
rescued that officer when surrounded by a large number of rebel
infantry.
The assault was made on the 3rd. of April, the storming parties being
divided into two columns, one of which formed the right, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Lowth, of the 86th., and the other the left attack.
The latter was led by Major Stuart, of the same regiment, and making its
way partly through the breach and partly by escalading a bastion into
the city, penetrated to the palace; here it was met by the right column,
which had advanced along the streets in the midst of a galling fire from
the houses on each side.[202] The conduct of the 86th. received high
commendation. Possession having been gained of a large portion of the
city by the 3rd. Europeans and 86th. Foot, these two corps occupied with
pickets commanding houses, and several hand to hand combats
occurred.[203]
Preparations were being made for the continuance of the attack, when
intelligence reached Sir Hugh Rose that the Ranee had during the
preceding night fled from the fortress, attended by a small escort; she
was seen mounted on a grey horse, and although hotly pursued, was not
overtaken; this was succeeded by a general abandonment of the place by
the rebels, who proceeded in a north-easterly direction. Jhansi was
taken possession of without further opposition, when nothing could
exceed the humanity shewn by the victorious troops.
In the meantime Awah, in Rajpootana, a strongly fortified town, had been
taken by Colonel Holmes, on the 24th. of January, and Major-General
Roberts in March advanced against Kotah, the Rajah of which was friendly
to the British, but was coerced by his followers.
Two hundred men of the 83rd., and the Rifle Company of the 13th. Native
Infantry, under Brevet-Lieutenant-Colonel Heatly, of the former
regiment, were sent by Major-General Roberts, commanding the Rajpootana
Field Force, on the 26th. of March, into the portion of the town held by
the Maha Rao, who had been assaulted on two successive mornings by the
rebels; the service rendered by Lieutenant-Colonel Heatly with this
detachment on this occasion, and up to the time of the assault was
prominently noticed. Late on the evening of the 28th., the 8th. Hussars,
under Lieutenant-Colonel Salis, arrived.
On the 30th. of March the place was carried with the greatest gallantry,
the 72nd. and 95th. regiments[204] leading the way. The first column,
under Brigadier Parke, of the 72nd. was composed of two hundred and
fifty men from each of the following regiments, namely, the 72nd., under
Major Thellusson, 13th. Native Infantry, under Captain Adams,
accompanied by a party of Sappers, under Lieutenant Paterson, Royal
Engineers. The second column, under Lieutenant-Colonel Holmes, comprised
a like number of the 83rd. under Major Steele, and of the 12th. Native
Infantry, under Lieutenant Howison; and the third column, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Raines, of the 95th., was similarly made up of the
95th., under Major the Honourable Eyre Massey, of that regiment, and the
10th. Native Infantry, under Lieutenant Roome, each accompanied by a
party of Sappers, under an engineer officer. The reserve under Brigadier
Macan, consisted of two hundred and fifty of the 83rd., under
Lieutenant-Colonel Heatly, and of the 13th. Native Infantry, under
Captain Steuart.
By the explosion here of a magazine fired by the rebels, after the
capture of the city, Captain Robert Bainbrigge, of the 23rd. Bombay
Light Infantry, Brigade-Major of the first brigade of the Rajpootana
Field Force, and Captain Evelyn Bazalgette, of the 95th. regiment, were
unfortunately killed.
From the 23rd. to the 30th. of March the British casualties amounted to
fourteen killed and forty-six wounded—a small loss when compared with
the importance of the capture. The cavalry and Colonel Blake’s troop of
Horse Artillery were sent in pursuit.
Major-General Whitlock, in command of the Madras column, gained a
decisive victory at Banda, on the 19th. of April, over the troops of the
Nawab of that place. The battle lasted four hours.[205] The enemy
mustered about seven thousand, including one thousand mutinous Sepoys of
the Bengal army, and their loss amounted to five hundred men and several
guns.[206] Banda surrendered at once, and the Major-General then moved
on towards Calpee to co-operate in the attack intended to be made by Sir
Hugh Rose upon that stronghold. The latter on the 7th. of May, attacked
and captured the fort of Koonch. Marching thence to Golowlie on the
Jumna, three miles distant from Calpee, a determined attack was there
made by the insurgents upon the British, on the 22nd. of May, and the
enemy sustained another defeat. On the 23rd. Sir Hugh Rose moved upon
Calpee. Seized with a panic, the mutineers, after firing a few shots
fled from the town, which was at once occupied; here was discovered a
subterraneous magazine, containing five hundred barrels of gunpowder,
and vast quantities of ordnance; besides which were four foundries for
cannon, several guns used by the enemy having been cast there. Owing to
the intense heat, the flying column sent after the rebels to the fort of
Sheerghur, whither they had retired, was compelled to relinquish the
pursuit; but they were subsequently overtaken on the road, and between
five and six hundred of them killed.
The work of the gallant Central India Field Force was now considered to
be terminated, and it was announced in orders that it was about to be
broken up, but there was further employment for the troops. Tantia
Topee, the leader of the rebels at Calpee, had given proofs of being the
most active and vigorous opponent of the British during the mutiny,
being nearly the only rebel leader who had gained anything approaching
to a military reputation, having defeated with great adroitness all
attempts to capture him. Prior to the capture of Calpee he retired
therefrom towards Gwalior, and after his arrival at the capital of
Scindiah’s territory, endeavoured to gain over the Maharajah’s troops. A
numerous body of the enemy retreated westward in the direction of
Gwalior; Scindiah attacked them at the Morar cantonment, near the
capital, on the 1st. of June, and sustained a complete defeat; his men
deserted during the action, and he was obliged to take refuge in the
British cantonments at Agra. After this success the rebels placed upon
the musnud or throne of Gwalior, Rao Sahib, a nephew of Nena Sahib.
Upon receiving this intelligence Major-General Sir Hugh Rose, recalling
his detachments, marched to Sassowlee, where he arrived on the 15th. of
June. Meanwhile the insurgents at Gwalior, after making themselves
masters of the treasure in the capital, commenced deserting in great
bodies. Even the Nawab of Banda and Tantia Topee left the place, but the
valorous Ranee of Jhansi remained, attired in male costume, to head the
Sepoys and the Gwalior contingent, who alone remained to abide the
fortune of war.
On the 16th. of June, Sir Hugh Rose advanced upon Gwalior, and on that
day, in the action upon Morar, Lieutenant Neave of the 71st., which
regiment well maintained its historical renown, was killed. Brigadiers
Smith and Orr, with additional troops, arrived on the 17th. at
Kota-ki-Serai, ten miles from Gwalior, where they defeated some of the
advanced posts. The charge through the enemy’s camp of the 8th. Hussars
and the conduct of the 95th., were most highly spoken of. The infantry
was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Raines, of the latter regiment. In a
hand to hand contest the stout-hearted Ranee of Jhansi was killed, and
as her body could not be discovered, it is supposed to have been burnt.
Sir Hugh Rose subsequently arrived, and a fierce attack was made on the
19th. by the insurgents, who were repulsed, and after a severe contest
on the plain between the town and the heights, were completely defeated.
Next day, Lieutenant W. F. Waller and Lieutenant Rose, with a handful of
men, captured the fortress of Gwalior in a most gallant manner. Climbing
on the roof of a house, they shot down the gunners opposed to them, and
carried the fort, killing every man in it. In this daring action
Lieutenant Rose was killed, these two officers being the only Europeans
present. Gwalior was then occupied, and the Maharajah Scindiah was once
more restored to his throne.
After this decisive battle the Central India Field Force was broken up,
and was distributed in the garrisons of Gwalior, Jhansi, and other
places. Sir Hugh Rose afterwards returned to the Bombay Presidency,
prior to which, in general orders, the Commander-in-chief in India
thanked him and Major-Generals Roberts and Whitlock for their eminent
services.
Such is a brief account of the special services for which clasps have
been awarded, which naturally divide into five acts the exciting drama
of the Indian Mutiny; there are, however, several episodes which alone
would fill a volume.[207] In this campaign there were many separate
columns, which afforded officers greater opportunities of distinguishing
themselves than in ordinary cases. So various were the military
operations that it is almost impossible to condense them into one
connected whole.
Amongst the most determined opponents of the British was the ex-Queen of
Oude, commonly known as the Begum, under whom many of the fugitives had
rallied. She endeavoured to gain over that active ally Jung Bahadoor,
but without success. Moveable columns successfully effected the objects
intended. Beni Madho, a powerful chieftain, whilst Lieutenant-Colonel
Carmichael was in pursuit, was intercepted and driven across the
Goomtee, by Brigadier (now Sir Alfred) Horsford, who, at the head of a
separate column, had highly distinguished himself. On the 30th. of
December, Nena Sahib and his followers were attacked and driven through
a jungle which they endeavoured to defend; afterwards across the Raptee,
the 7th. Hussars entering that river with the fugitives. The Nena
escaped punishment for the time, but although not taken by the British,
there is no reason to doubt the certainty of his death. Tantia Topee, in
pursuit of whom so many long marches had been made, was ultimately
captured and hanged.
Thus may the contest be said to have terminated, and the resistance of
one hundred and fifty thousand armed men overcome; in no campaign had
greater exertions been displayed, and more honour acquired by the
British soldier.
Besides the names of Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram, Major-Generals
Sir Henry Havelock, Sir Hugh Rose, Roberts, Whitlock, Sir Archdale
Wilson, Sir James Hope Grant, Sir William Rose Mansfield, Sir Thomas
Harte Franks, Sir Edward Lugard, Windham, and Sir John Michel, the
campaign produced a number of Brigadier-Generals, such as Neill, the
Honourable Adrian Hope, Walpole, Sir Robert Napier, Russell, Nicholson,
Horsford, Barker, Wetherall, Jones, Parke, Rowcroft, and others, who are
intimately associated with the military operations by which an extensive
country may be said to have been re-conquered, and peace restored.
[Illustration:
The Abyssinia Medal.
]
Lord Canning, the able Governor-General of India, and the Earl of Elgin,
who nobly diverted the troops ordered for China, are inseparably
connected with these events; and if difficulty has been experienced in
doing justice to individual officers during the mutiny, it is enhanced
when attempting to record the deeds of him who, linked with military
services extending over half a century, brought this momentous struggle
to a successful termination. In other times enemies had to be
encountered in India, and great battles had been won, but in this
instance the men had been armed and disciplined by their conquerors. Ho
words can be more applicable than those of His Royal Highness the Duke
of Cambridge, when the vote of thanks to the Army in India was proposed
in the House of Lords, on the 14th. of April, 1859:—“As to Lord Clyde it
would be preposterous in me to sing his praises; they are not only
patent to every nobleman present, but they are known throughout the
length and breadth of this country of the continent, and in other parts
of the world.”
The regiments that received the medal for the Indian Mutiny were:—Royal
Artillery, 3rd. and 6th. Dragoon Guards, 7th., 8th. and 14th. Hussars,
and 9th. and 12th. Lancers. The 4th., 5th., 6th., 8th., 10th., 13th.,
19th., 20th., 23rd., 24th., 27th., 32nd., 34th., 35th., 37th., 38th.,
42nd., 43rd., 52nd., 53rd., 54th., 61st., 64th., 70th., 71st., 72nd.,
73rd., 74th., 75th., 78th., 79th., 80th., 81st., 82nd., 83rd., 84th.,
86th., 87th., 88th., 89th., 90th., 92nd., 93rd., 95th., 97th., 101st.,
102nd., 104th., 107th., 108th., and 109th. Foot; 60th. Rifles, and Rifle
Brigade.