Among the many dashing exploits performed at this time, was one for
which Lieutenant William Alexander Kerr, adjutant of the South Mahratta
Horse, gained high renown. He was with his regiment at Sattara, the
inhabitants of which had already exhibited a mutinous disposition, when
information was received that the 27th Regiment of Bombay Native
Infantry, stationed at Kolapore, a town about 75 miles off, had mutinied
and murdered their officers. For the safety perhaps of the whole
Presidency, the mutiny must be immediately crushed. Kerr instantly
volunteered to lead a body of his men against the rebels. He knew that
he could trust his fellows. Not a moment was to be lost. The bugle
sounded to horse. He addressed them, and told them what was to be done.
They promised to follow him to the death. Across rivers and nullahs,
swollen by heavy rains, they went, and in twenty-six hours pulled rein
before the gates of Kolapore. The mutineers had barricaded all the
entrances to the place, and were already flushed with a momentary
success over a body of infantry sent against them. Without guns the
barricades were difficult to remove, but Kerr was not to be
disheartened. He and a faithful sowar, Gumpunt Row, dismounting from
their horses, with crowbars in their hands advanced to the attack,
leading on the rest of the troop also on foot. The first defences, in
spite of showers of bullets, were forced; the rebels gave way, but took
refuge in a loopholed house with other barricades in front. These were
to be removed before an entrance could be effected. Again the gallant
lieutenant vigorously plied his crowbar; the barricade was forced; a
shot carried away the chain of his helmet. Gumpunt Row was wounded, but
still he fought on by the side of his leader, and twice saved his life
from the bayonet-thrusts of the foe. Kerr, passing his sword through
the body of a sepoy who had fired his musket in his face and almost
blinded him with the powder, rushed on, and, wounded though he was,
killed another enemy, entered the house, and the defenders, to the
number of 34, armed with muskets and bayonets, were all either killed,
wounded, or captured. Of his own brave followers, not one escaped
unhurt; 8 were killed on the spot, and 4 afterwards died of their
wounds. It was not only a brave deed, but well-executed, and so well
timed that it contributed greatly to crush the spread of the mutiny
throughout the Presidency. Lieutenant Kerr most deservedly obtained the
Victoria Cross.