Chapter M: DCCC XLVIII (4)

By the indefatigable exertions of the troops, under the direction of Captain Broadfoot, garrison engineer, and Captain Abbott, commissary of ordnance, the works were brought into a state of defence against any Asiatic enemy not provided with siege-artillery; but the place was kept in a continual state of alarm by the occurrence of one hundred shocks of an earthquake in the course of a month, and on the 19th of February a tremendous shock occasioned the parapets to fall, injured the bastions, made a breach in the rampart, destroyed the guard-houses, reduced other portions of the works to ruins, and demolished one-third part of the town. With that unconquerable spirit of perseverance for which the troops had already been distinguished, they instantly turned to the repair of the works. Sirdar Mahomed Akbar Khan, Barukzye, the assassin of the late Envoy, and the treacherous destroyer of the Cabool force, flushed with success, approached with a numerous body of troops to overwhelm the little garrison of Jellalabad: he attacked the foraging parties on the 21st and 22nd of February; but was astonished at finding the works in a state of defence, and he established a rigorous blockade. From that time to the 7th of April, the reduced garrison was engaged in a succession of skirmishes, in which the THIRTEENTH Light Infantry had opportunities of distinguishing themselves; particularly detachments under Captains Pattisson and Fenwick, Lieutenants George Wade and W. Cox.

On the 5th April, 1842, information was received that the force under Major-General Pollock had experienced reverses in the Khyber, and had retraced its steps towards Peshawur; and on the 6th a _feu-de-joie_ and salute of artillery were fired by Mahomed Akbar, which were stated to be in honour of the event. It was also reported that the Affghans were sending reinforcements to assist in defending their frontier passes. These reports were accompanied by others of a fresh revolution at Cabool, which was considered by some as the cause of the rejoicing; and it was also rumoured that the Ghazees had been defeated in Khyber, and that the Sirdar had retreated into Lughman. Major-General Sir Robert Sale resolved to anticipate the last-mentioned event, by a general attack on the Affghan camp, with the hope of relieving Jellalabad from blockade, and facilitating General Pollock’s advance to its succour. Directions were accordingly given to form three columns of infantry, the central consisting of the THIRTEENTH (mustering five hundred bayonets) under Colonel Dennie, C.B.; the left consisting of a similar number of the thirty-fifth native infantry under Lieut.-Colonel Monteath, C.B.; and the right composed of one company of the THIRTEENTH, one of the thirty-fifth native infantry, and the detachment of Sappers under the command of Lieutenant Orr (the severity of Captain Broadfoot’s wound still rendering him non-effective), amounting to three hundred and sixty men, was commanded by Captain Havelock of the THIRTEENTH; these were to be supported by the fire of the guns of number 6 field battery under Captain Abbott, the whole of the small cavalry force being under Captain Oldfield and Lieutenant Mayne.

At daylight, on the morning of the 7th April, the troops issued from the Cabool and Peshawur gates. The Sirdar, Mahomed Akbar Khan, with his force of about six thousand men, was formed in order of battle for the defence of his camp; its right resting on a fort, and its left on the Cabool river; even the ruined works within eight hundred yards of the place, recently repaired, were filled with Ghilzie marksmen, who were evidently prepared for a stout resistance. The attack was led by the skirmishers and column under Captain Havelock, which drove the enemy in the most satisfactory manner from the extreme left of his advanced line of works, which it pierced at once, and proceeded to advance into the plain; the central column at the same time directed its efforts against a square fort, upon the same base, the defence of which was obstinately maintained. Colonel Dennie of the THIRTEENTH, while nobly leading his regiment to the assault, received a shot through his body, which, to the deep regret of officers and men, shortly after proved fatal.

The rear of the work having been finally gained by passing to its left, orders were given for a combined attack upon the enemy’s camp; this was brilliant and successful. The artillery advanced at the gallop, and directed a heavy fire upon the Affghan centre, while two columns of infantry penetrated his line near the same point, and the third forced back his left from its support on the river, into which some of his horse and foot were driven. The Affghans repeatedly attempted to check the advance by a smart fire of musketry,--by throwing forward heavy bodies of horse, which twice threatened in force the detachments of infantry under Captain Havelock, and by opening three guns, screened by a garden wall, which were said to have been served under the personal superintendence of the Sirdar; but in a short time the Affghans were dislodged from every point of their positions, their cannon taken, and their camp involved in a general conflagration.

The battle was over, and the enemy in full retreat in the direction of Lughman by about seven, A.M. Two cavalry standards were taken from the enemy, besides four guns lost by the Cabool army and Gundamuck forces, the recapture of which was a matter of much honest exultation. A great quantity of _matériel_ and stores were, together with the enemy’s tents, destroyed, and the defeat of Mahomed Akbar, in open field, by the troops he had boasted of blockading, was complete.

The regiment had Colonel Dennie killed, and Lieutenant Jennings and Assistant-Surgeon Barnes wounded; eight privates killed, and thirty-one rank and file wounded.

Captain Wilkinson, of the THIRTEENTH, on whom the charge of one of the infantry columns devolved on the lamented fall of Colonel Dennie, and Captain Hamlet Wade (Brigade-Major), were highly commended in Major-General Sir Robert Sale’s despatch, in which it was also stated ‘that Lieutenant and Adjutant Wood, Her Majesty’s THIRTEENTH Light Infantry, made a dash at one of the enemy, and in cutting him down, his charger was so severely injured as to have been since destroyed. Captain Havelock reports in the most favourable manner the gallant conduct, throughout the day, of Lieutenant Cox, Her Majesty’s THIRTEENTH Light Infantry, and he was the first of the party which captured them to seize two of the enemy’s cannon.’

Armourer Serjeant Henry Ulyett, of the THIRTEENTH, captured Mahomed Akbar’s standard, which he took from a cavalry soldier, whom he killed.

The force employed in this successful enterprise amounted to about eighteen hundred men of all arms. The safety of the fortress was entrusted, during the action, to the ordinary guards of its gates, and one provisional battalion of followers of every description armed with pikes and other weapons, who manned the curtains, and made a respectable show of defence. Captain Pattisson, of the THIRTEENTH, was left in command of this diminished garrison. Towards the conclusion of the engagement a sally was made from the Cabool gate by Lieutenant George Wade, of the THIRTEENTH, into the fort before which Colonel Dennie had fallen, when it was observed that the enemy were abandoning it; all it contained was set on fire, and some of its defenders were bayoneted.

The enemy’s loss was very severe; the field of battle was strewed with the bodies of men and horses, and the richness of the trappings of some of the latter denoted that chiefs of rank (several being present and taking part in the action) had fallen.

The following NOTIFICATION of this victory was issued by the Government of India from Benares on the 21st April, 1842:--

‘The Governor General feels assured that every subject of the British Government will peruse with the deepest interest and satisfaction the report he now communicates, of the entire defeat of the Affghan troops under Mahomed Akbar Khan, by the garrison of Jellalabad.

‘That _Illustrious Garrison_, which, by its constancy in enduring privation, and by its valour in action, has already obtained for itself the sympathy and respect of every true soldier, has now, sallying forth from its walls, under the command of its gallant leader, Major-General Sir Robert Sale, thoroughly beaten in open field an enemy of more than three times its numbers, taken the standards of their boasted cavalry, destroyed their camp, and recaptured four guns, which, under circumstances which can never again occur, had during the last winter fallen into their hands.

‘The Governor General cordially congratulates the army upon the return of victory to its ranks.

‘He is convinced that there, as in all former times, it will be found, while, as at Jellalabad, the European and native troops mutually supporting each other, and evincing equal discipline and valour, are led into action by officers in whom they justly confide.

‘The Governor General directs that the substance of this notification, and of Major-General Sir Robert Sale’s report, be carefully made known to all the troops, and that a salute of twenty-one guns be fired at every principal station of the army.’

On the 20th February following, the thanks of Parliament were accorded to the Governor General of India, and to the officers and troops employed in Affghanistan, the resolutions being moved in the House of Lords by the Duke of Wellington, and in the House of Commons by Sir Robert Peel, who, after eulogising the gallant conduct of Sir Robert Sale and the garrison of Jellalabad, proceeded to deplore the death of Colonel Dennie, in the victory of the 7th April, in the following terms:--

‘That victory would have been the cause of almost unqualified rejoicing if it had not been purchased at the cost of the life of one of the most noble and gallant spirits, whose actions have ever added brilliance to their country’s military renown. Need I mention the name of the lamented Colonel Dennie? With his accustomed valour,--a valour which was unquenchable,--he led the British troops against the enemy. The attack which he headed was successful, but he fell in the conflict; and a spirit as gallant as his own has offered to his family and his friends that which he thinks,--and justly thinks,--the highest consolation that can be afforded them. “True it is,” he says, “he has lost his life; but he lost his life on the field of battle, and in the hour of victory!” Such is the consolation which Sir Robert Sale offers to his bereaved family and friends. I wish it had been possible--but it was not--I wish it had been possible that the dying moments of Colonel Dennie could have been consoled, as I believe they would have been, by the knowledge that, on account of the former valour and intrepidity he had displayed,--he having no other interest or influence than that just interest and influence which such courage and devotion ought always to command,--the Queen of England had signified her personal wish that Colonel Dennie should be appointed one of her aides-de-camp. I sincerely wish that Colonel Dennie could have been made acquainted with this fact.’[21]

The defence of Jellalabad, situated amid scenery of wild and savage grandeur, against an undisciplined but desperate enemy, who used his rude implements of war with deadly precision, will ever excite the highest admiration, and the British nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to Major-General Sir Robert Sale, and the gallant band of heroes composing the garrison. These successes, contrasting so forcibly with the unforeseen disasters at Cabool, which partook more of the character of a hideous dream than of stern reality, may well make the THIRTEENTH refer with honest pride to the part they bore in these achievements.

On the 16th June, 1842, the Queen was graciously pleased to appoint Colonel Sir Robert Henry Sale (serving with the rank of Major-General in Affghanistan) to be a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath.

Major Edward T. Tronson was promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, in succession to Lieut.-Colonel Dennie, and Captain Robert Pattisson was advanced to the Majority. Lieut.-Colonel Tronson retired on full pay on the 2nd August, 1842, and was succeeded by Major Squire, and Captain John Taylor was promoted to the vacant rank of Major.

In a few days after this victory, the privations and sufferings of the garrison, from incessant toil and the deficiency of provisions, were terminated by the arrival of the force under Major-General Pollock, who, in his despatch of the 19th April, 1842, stated that, ‘I have had an opportunity of inspecting the works thrown up for their protection by the indefatigable exertions of Sir Robert Sale’s force, and my surprise at their strength and extent has been only equalled by my admiration of the excellent arrangements which must have pervaded all departments, since, after a siege (by greatly superior numbers) of upwards of five months’ duration, I find the garrison in excellent health and spirits, and in an admirable state of discipline, with a good supply of ammunition, ready and anxious to take the field, and most willing to advance on Cabool.’

Major-General Sir Robert Sale’s report of the transactions in which the garrison of Jellalabad had been engaged, gives the following interesting particulars:--

‘From the time that the brigade threw itself into Jellalabad, the native troops have been on half, and the followers on quarter rations, and for many weeks they have been able to obtain little or nothing in the bazaars to eke out this scanty provision. I will not mention, as a privation, the European troops from the same period having been without their allowance of spirits, because I verily believe this circumstance and their constant employment have contributed to keep them in the highest health and the most remarkable state of discipline. Crime has been almost unknown amongst them, but they have felt severely, although they have never murmured, the diminution of their quantity of animal food, and the total want of ghee, flour, tea, coffee, and sugar: these may seem small matters to those who read of them at a distance, but they are serious reductions in the scale of comfort of the hard-working and fighting soldier in Asia. The troops have also been greatly in arrears of pay, besides their severe duties in heat and cold, wind and rain, on the guards of the gates and bastions. The troops, officers and men, British and Hindoostanee, of every arm, remained fully accoutred on their alarm posts every night from the 1st of March to the 7th April. The losses of officers and men, in carriage and cattle, camp equipage and baggage, between Cabool and Jellalabad were heavy; and their expenditure, during the siege and blockade, in obtaining articles of mere subsistence and necessity, has been exorbitant.

‘It is gratifying to me to forward the opinion of my second in command, Lieut.-Colonel Monteath, _C.B._, placed on record without solicitation, of the merits of the THIRTEENTH LIGHT INFANTRY, of which corps I am proud of being a member. * * * I must express my gratitude to Providence for having placed so gallant and devoted a force under my command; in every way it has exceeded my most sanguine expectations, and I beg leave, in the strongest manner, to solicit the interposition of Major-General Pollock, _C.B._, who has nobly labored and fought to relieve it from its critical position in the midst of a hostile empire, in now committing it to the protection and favour of the Right Honorable the Governor General in Council, and through him to the Court of Directors, and of our Sovereign.’

Lieut.-Colonel Monteath stated in his report,--‘As doing but due justice on this occasion to Her Majesty’s THIRTEENTH Light Infantry might be looked upon as a highly-coloured record of the merits of your own regiment, and seeing that no such partial bias can possibly be supposed to guide my feelings in the estimate I have formed of their deserts, I have pleasure in sincerely declaring, that _their conduct, throughout the painful and perilous position in which we have so long been placed, has been such as fully to deserve the applause and admiration of their country, and the confidence and best consideration of our well-beloved Sovereign_.

‘On our throwing ourselves, on the 12th November last, into the old and ruined town of Jellalabad, without money, without food, and almost without protection, with a nation of highly excited and barbarous enemies in arms against us, our situation seemed as hopeless a one as British troops were ever called upon to confront; notwithstanding which, the enemy was twice attacked within twenty days, and on both occasions defeated with signal success.

‘You, yourself, will doubtless detail the works performed by the regiment; let it then be only my province, who have witnessed their exertions, almost hourly during a period of five months, to record, that _their devoted perseverance and cheerfulness amidst all the gloom that surrounded them, after the destruction of their comrades of the Cabool force, could not have been surpassed by any troops in the world_; and that after months of extreme toil, when an earthquake, such as man is not often in the habit of experiencing, in a moment left scarcely a vestige of their labour standing; _their flying as they did with redoubled zeal to the work, and completing it in ten days_, (so that on the arrival of the enemy before Jellalabad, they declared that the calamity which had befallen the valley arose from nothing but English witchcraft, it being the only place that had escaped uninjured) _was what none but British soldiers could have performed, and what no price could have purchased_, for it was the labour of the heart, work of all others most deserving of distinction and reward.’

The distinguished conduct of the regiment was appreciated, and Her Majesty thus alluded to it in her most gracious speech on proroguing Parliament on the 12th August, 1842:--‘Although I have had deeply to lament the reverses which have befallen a division of the army to the westward of the Indus, yet I have the satisfaction of reflecting that the gallant defence of the city of Jellalabad, crowned by a decisive victory in the field, has eminently proved the courage and discipline of the European and Native troops, and the skill and fortitude of their distinguished commander.’

On the 26th of August, the pleasure of Her Majesty the Queen Victoria, was officially announced in the London Gazette:--

‘_War Office, 26th August, 1842._

‘In consideration of the distinguished gallantry displayed by the
THIRTEENTH Light Infantry during the campaigns in the Burmese
empire and in Affghanistan, Her Majesty has been graciously
pleased to approve of that regiment assuming the title of the
THIRTEENTH OR PRINCE ALBERT’S REGIMENT OF LIGHT INFANTRY; and of
its facings being changed from _yellow_ to _blue_.

‘Her Majesty has also been pleased to authorize the THIRTEENTH
Regiment of Light Infantry to bear on its colours and
appointments a ‘_Mural Crown_,’ superscribed ‘_Jellalabad_,’ as a
memorial of the fortitude, perseverance, and enterprise, evinced
by that regiment, and the several corps which served during the
blockade of Jellalabad.

‘Her Majesty has been likewise pleased to permit the THIRTEENTH
regiment to receive and wear a _silver medal_, which has been
directed by the Governor General of India to be distributed to
every officer, non-commissioned officer, and private, European
and Native,--who belonged to the garrison of Jellalabad on the
7th April, 1842;--such medals to bear on one side a ‘_Mural
Crown_,’ superscribed ‘_Jellalabad_;’ and on the other side
‘_April 7th, 1842_.’’

The medal for Jellalabad was granted to the following officers of the THIRTEENTH:--

_Lieutenant-Colonels._

Colonel Sir Robert Sale, _G.C.B._
---- William H. Dennie, _C.B._[22]

_Major._

Robert Pattisson.

_Captains._

Henry Havelock.
Arthur P. S. Wilkinson.
Hamlet C. Wade.
James H. Fenwick.
Peter R. Jennings.

_Lieutenants._

Alex. E. F. Holcombe.
George King.
John S. Wood, (_Adjutant._)
Wm. A. Sinclair.
Hon. E. J. W. Forester.
David Rattray.
Richard E. Frere.
George Wade.
John Wm. Cox.
William Williams.
Fred. Van Straubenzee.
Thos. B. Speedy.
J. Francis Scott.
G. Chetwynd Stapylton.
Robt. S. Parker.

_Ensigns._

Arthur Oakes.
Geo. Talbot.

_Surgeon_, Jno. Robertson, _M.D._
_Assist.-Surg._ G. W. Barnes, _M.D._

The regiment remained in garrison at Jellalabad until the 6th August, when it moved forwards to Futtehabad for change of air, having suffered severely from the extreme heat of the weather. So great was the heat, that six men fell dead in the ranks of apoplexy the first march. On the 1st of September, the THIRTEENTH received orders to join the force under Major-General Pollock at Gundamuck, to which place the regiment marched on the following morning, and joined on the 3rd. It remained there until the 7th, when it moved towards Cabool, forming part of the first division of the advance, which was placed under the command of Major-General Sir Robert Sale. On the 8th, upon nearing _Jugdulluck_, the Affghans were observed in position, and the THIRTEENTH under Captain Wilkinson were directed to carry the left centre of the enemy, which was done in gallant style. The enemy were dispersed in every direction, a large body of them retiring to the summit of a high mountain. On this rugged and almost inaccessible height they planted their standards, but as the achievements of the day would have been incomplete were they suffered to remain, it was decided to dislodge them. The lofty heights were assaulted in two columns, the THIRTEENTH being led by Captain Wilkinson, and the Ghilzies fled from their last and least assailable stronghold. Major-General Sir Robert Sale was again wounded. The other casualties of the regiment were one private killed and two serjeants and twelve privates wounded.

The THIRTEENTH bivouacked in the valley of Jugdulluck, which was strewn with the blackened remains of their unfortunate comrades of the Cabool force. Near this place Brevet Major Kershaw and Lieutenant Hobhouse of the THIRTEENTH were killed in January 1842, while retiring with the force from Cabool. The enemy showed no opposition to the advance of the army until nearing the valley of _Tezeen_, when some skirmishing took place, and the troops halted in the valley a day to allow the rear division of the advance to close up. The road from Tezeen to Khoord Cabool was through a succession of lofty hills, called the Huft Kotul, or Eight Hills. Dispositions for the attack of the _Huft Kotul Pass_ having been made on the 12th of September, the force moved off on the following morning, and three companies of the THIRTEENTH formed part of the advance guard under Sir Robert Sale. To them was allotted the duty of clearing the right of the Pass, which was effectively done. A company under Lieutenant W. A. Sinclair, which formed part of the force placed under Major Skinner of the thirty-first regiment, and which was detached on the right of the pass, also distinguished itself.

The regiment lost one rank and file killed, and had five wounded. The enemy’s loss was heavy; he was completely defeated, and left his artillery in the possession of the victors. The army re-occupied Cabool on the 15th September, and on the 18th, part of the regiment received sudden orders to march with the force under Major-General Sir Robert Sale in order to meet the prisoners lately in possession of the enemy, then on their way to Cabool, it being supposed that Akbar Khan would attempt to re-capture them. On the morning of the 20th, the troops met the prisoners (Lady Sale and Lieutenant Mein[23] being among them), and on the 21st returned with them to Cabool, without being annoyed by the enemy. The regiment remained at Cabool until the 12th of October,[24] when the army broke ground on its return to India. The regiment shared in the many skirmishes on quitting the Affghan territory, but sustained little loss, and on the 24th, it reached Jellalabad; previously to proceeding further, it was considered advisable to destroy the fortress, and in a few days not a wall was left standing. On the south face of the fort was a large bastion, close to which was an open space which had been converted into a burial-ground; here the remains of Colonel Dennie, with many other gallant soldiers, were laid, and the Engineer Officer in mining the bastion, caused the whole mass to be thrown by the explosion over the graves, thus leaving a lasting monument over them, and what was of more importance, effectually preventing the bodies being disturbed by the Affghans. The regiment thence proceeded to Peshawur, and across the Punjaub _en route_ to Ferozepore.

According to the wish of the Governor-General (Lord Ellenborough), the garrison of Jellalabad had received orders to proceed in advance of the rest of the troops, in order that they should make a triumphant entry into the British Provinces by themselves, and the medals granted for the defence of, and general action near, Jellalabad, had been forwarded a few days previously, so that they might be worn on the entry of the garrison into Ferozepore. On the 14th December, the THIRTEENTH arrived at the right bank of the Sutlej, where they halted until the 17th, when they crossed the river by a bridge of boats. At the opposite side was erected, for the garrison to pass under, a triumphal arch, where they were met by Lord Ellenborough; the distance from the river to the camp was about six miles, and for the first three miles a sort of street was formed for the garrison to pass through, by placing elephants decked in their gayest trappings at intervals of about twenty paces; the remainder of the road was lined by the army of reserve encamped at Ferozepore, who presented arms as the garrison passed, the bands playing the “National Anthem:” in the evening the officers of the garrison were entertained at a magnificent banquet given by the Governor General.

These honours were rendered, agreeably to the concluding paragraph of the General Order by the Right Honorable the Governor General of India, dated Allahabad, 30th of April, 1842, which stated that--

‘The Governor General will request His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the army to give instructions, in due time, that the several corps composing the garrison of Jellalabad may, on their return to India, be received at all the stations on their route to their cantonments, by all the troops at such stations, in review order, with presented arms.’

The regiment received the Queen’s permission to bear on its colours and appointments the word “CABOOL, 1842,” to commemorate its important services. Major Pattisson was promoted to the brevet rank of Lieut.-Colonel; Captains Havelock, Wilkinson, Wade, and Fenwick were promoted to the brevet rank of Major, and, with the following officers, received the silver medal for Cabool:--

_Colonel_ Sir Robert Sale, G.C.B.

_Captains._

Major Henry Havelock.
---- Arthur Wilkinson.
---- Hamlet Wade.
---- James Fenwick.
Captain Peter Jennings.
---- Alex. Holcombe.
---- George King.

Majors Havelock, Wilkinson, and Wade were subsequently appointed by
Her Majesty Companions of the most Honorable Military Order of the
Bath.

_Lieutenants._

John S. Wood (_adjutant_).
William A. Sinclair.
Hon. Emilius J. Forrester.
David Rattray.
Richard E. Frere.
Geo. Wade.
John W. Cox.
Fred. Van Straubenzee.
Thomas B. Speedy.
J. Fran. P. Scott.
Granville Geo. C. Stapylton.
Robert S. Parker.
Arthur Oakes.
George Talbot.

_Surgeon_, J. Robertson, M.D.--_Asst.-Surgeon_, Geo. Barnes, M.D.

[Sidenote: 1843.]

On the 16th January, 1843, the regiment marched from Ferozepore, and arrived at Mowbarukpore on the 5th of February, where it remained encamped until the 9th of March, when it proceeded on its route to Kussowlie, at which station it remained until the 21st October. Fatigue parties were here daily employed for two hours in the cool of the morning or evening cutting and repairing roads, etc. On the 21st October, the regiment marched to Ferozepore _en route_ to Scinde. On the 6th November, the regiment reached Loodianah, where percussion muskets were issued to it for the first time, and the old flint arms were given into store. It arrived at Ferozepore on the 15th November, embarked in boats for Sukkur, on the 24th, and reached its destination on the 20th December.

General Edward Morrison died on the 3rd December, 1843, and the vacant colonelcy of the THIRTEENTH was conferred on the 15th of that month on Sir Robert Sale; Major Horatio Nelson Vigors was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel; and Captain R. M. Meredith succeeded to the Majority.

[Sidenote: 1844]

On the 13th January, 1844, Lieut.-Colonel Squire joined with a draft of officers and men from England, and assumed the command of the regiment.

The THIRTEENTH moved from Sukkur, by wings, _en route_ to Kurrachee during September, 1844; the left wing on the 4th and the head-quarter division on the 24th. The former arrived at Kurrachee on the 21st of September, and the latter on the 8th of October. The regiment suffered severely from sickness during the movement, owing to the malaria of Sukkur, having continually from two to three hundred in hospital daily. Preparatory to the regiment leaving Scinde, four hundred and forty-six of the men volunteered to corps serving in India. It embarked at Kurrachee for Bombay on board the Honorable East India Company’s steamers Pluto and Sesostris on the 4th of December, arrived in the harbour of Bombay on the night of the 7th, and disembarked in the afternoon of the 8th of that month, being received by the Governor and military authorities of Bombay; the guard of honor presenting arms as the regiment passed, and the band striking up “See the conquering hero comes.”--While the regiment was stationed at Bombay, it had the misfortune to lose Captain Sinclair, who had served throughout the campaign: he died of cholera after an illness of a few hours: the soldiers however continued generally healthy.

[Sidenote: 1845]

The head-quarter division of the THIRTEENTH embarked in the freight ship Cornwall, at Colaba, Bombay, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Tristram C. Squire, on the 20th March, 1845, and the second division in the freight ship Boyne, on the same day, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Horatio Vigors. The right wing disembarked at Gravesend on the 28th July, and the second division arrived there on the 8th August following, from whence it proceeded to Walmer Barracks, in order to join the head-quarters, which had marched thither from Chatham.

[Sidenote: 1846]

On the 10th March, 1846, Lieut.-General Sir William Maynard Gomm, K.C.B., Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Mauritius, was appointed colonel of the THIRTEENTH, in succession to Sir Robert Sale, who was killed at the battle of Moodkee, on the 18th December, 1845.

The regiment proceeded from Walmer to Portsmouth on the 27th April, 1846. Previous to the march of the THIRTEENTH, a high testimonial of their conduct, while stationed at Walmer, was received from the Mayor and Magistrates of Deal. On Thursday, the 13th August, the THIRTEENTH had the gratification of being presented with new colours by His Royal Highness the Prince Albert. The “_United Service Gazette_” of Saturday, the 15th August, gave the following account of this interesting ceremony, which took place on Southsea Common:--‘His Royal Highness Prince Albert, wearing a Field Marshal’s uniform, came over from Osborne-house in the royal yacht, accompanied by Colonel Wylde and a small retinue, all in uniform, and landed at the King’s-stairs, in the Dockyard, at about a quarter to four o’clock. The Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Charles Ogle, Bart., the Lieut.-Governor, Major-General the Hon. Sir Hercules Pakenham, K.C.B., and a brilliant staff of officers of both services, received his Royal Highness on landing, who immediately entered General Pakenham’s carriage, and was driven to the field, escorted by General Pakenham and staff on horseback, receiving the shouts of welcome from the immense concourse of spectators who lined the road as he passed. Soon after three o’clock, the regiment took up its position on Southsea Common, in line, at open order, with the old colours in the centre. On the arrival of the Prince he was received with the customary honors. The regiment then formed three sides of a hollow square, the company told off as a guard for the new colours remaining in the centre of the open face. The Prince having alighted from the carriage, mounted his charger (which, together with five other beautiful animals, came down from the Royal mews to the George Hotel last night), rode along the line, inside and out, inspecting the troops, as they covered the ground, after which the Prince dismounted and entered the hollow square, accompanied by General Pakenham, Sir Charles Ogle, and staff, and stood uncovered while the Rev. G. R. Gleig, Chaplain General to the Forces, consecrated the colours, which, after this ceremony, were handed to the Prince by Lieut.-Colonel C. T. Van Straubenzee and Major Meredith. The Prince then handed them to the two senior ensigns (J. D. Longden and Melville Browne), who received them kneeling, and continued in that position whilst His Royal Highness addressed them in a brief but most spirited and soldierly manner, enjoining them to preserve their colours, never to allow them to be captured, but to emulate the conduct exhibited by the departed hero, Sir Robert Sale, whose absence was the only alloy to the gratification he felt in performing the august ceremony of the day. His Highness, in the course of his address, passed some high and well-deserved encomiums on Colonel Squire and the THIRTEENTH regiment, to which that gallant veteran replied--“I beg most respectfully to return my most sincere though humble thanks for the distinguished honor your Royal Highness has just conferred upon this corps in the presentation of new colours, and for the highly flattering manner in which your Royal Highness has been pleased to mention my name, in connection with its services in India, and also for the gratifying encomiums which you have passed on our late honored and respected Commanders, Sir Robert Sale and Colonel Dennie. Your Highness may be assured that your gracious condescension will ever be esteemed by all ranks in the regiment as the greatest stimulant to the loyal and faithful discharge of their duty, under whatever circumstances of trial they may hereafter be placed, in supporting the honor and interest of our beloved Queen and country. God save the Queen!”

‘His Highness appeared much gratified with the sentiments of the gallant Colonel, and having bowed, retired with General Pakenham and Sir Charles Ogle, and remounted his charger. The sides of the square which were wheeled up then wheeled back, and the regiment formed a line. The new colours were now “trooped,” followed by the guard in charge, the band playing “The Grenadiers,” slow march.

‘On arriving at the left of the line, the colours were carried, and the officers marched up in the front of the line, one rank of the guard marching between the ranks of the line, and the other rank in rear of the rear rank. On arriving at the place where the old colours were stationed, the new colours took up their place, whilst the old ones were paraded up the remaining portion of the line, the “trooping” still proceeding, and were then delivered over to the escort on the right of the line; their military existence, as standards of the regiment, then ceasing.

‘The ceremony having terminated, the Prince re-entered the carriage of General Pakenham, and, accompanied by Admiral Sir Charles Ogle, Bart., and escorted by General Pakenham and staff, returned to the Dockyard, whence he embarked for Osborne-house, under salutes from the ships in harbour, the Platform Battery, and the Contest, Columbine, and Sardinian corvette at Spithead. A magnificent entertainment was given in honor of the event in the evening, by the officers of the THIRTEENTH, at the King’s rooms, Southsea-beach.’

On the 3rd November, 1846, Lieut.-Colonel Squire retired from the service, and Lieut.-Colonel A. A. T. Cunynghame succeeded to the command of the regiment; in the following month he exchanged with Captain and Lieut.-Colonel Charles Stuart, of the Grenadier Guards.

[Sidenote: 1847]

The regiment proceeded from Portsmouth to Ireland in two divisions, on the 12th and 13th January, 1847, and arrived at Dublin on the 16th of that month. Towards the end of September it proceeded to Birr.

[Sidenote: 1848]

On the 18th of April, 1848, the regiment marched from Birr to Newry, and on the 1st of June, to which period the Record has been continued, the head-quarters, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Charles Stuart, remained at Newry, two companies being stationed at Drogheda, and four companies being distributed at Belturbet, Carrickmacross, Dundalk, and Monaghan.

* * * * *

The preceding pages show that the THIRTEENTH, or PRINCE ALBERT’S REGIMENT OF LIGHT INFANTRY, has gained laurels in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. From the period of its declaration in favour of the Protestant interest at the Revolution, it has run a career of glory. Leaving the army in Flanders, in 1703, after a short campaign under the renowned Duke of Marlborough, it next formed part of the force in the Peninsula, and highly distinguished itself in the first defence of Gibraltar in 1704-5, a few months after its capture from the Spaniards. While serving in Spain, the chivalrous Earl of Peterborough formed the greater portion of the corps into a _cavalry_ regiment;--an event unprecedented in the military history of the British army;--in which character it proved its bravery at the disastrous battle of Almanza.

The second defence of Gibraltar in 1727, the battle-fields of Dettingen, Fontenoy, Falkirk, Culloden, Roucoux, and Val, all attest its valour; while in later times the expeditions against St. Domingo, the campaign in Egypt under the immortal Abercromby, and the capture of Martinique, added to its ancient renown.

Recent times presented the Burmese war, in which the regiment sustained a prominent part; latterly the campaigns in Affghanistan, the capture of the stronghold of Ghuznee; and the advance upon Cabool, testify the valuable services performed; but on none of these events will the eye rest with greater interest than the defence of Jellalabad: deservedly was the garrison termed “ILLUSTRIOUS” by the Governor General in his proclamation!

Gallant deeds in all parts of the globe for upwards of a hundred and sixty years, combined with excellent conduct in quarters, have obtained for the regiment the respect of the country, and Her Majesty has graciously named it after the Royal Consort, in testimony of approbation of its many and varied services.

1848.

_Description of the_ FLAGS _captured from the Affghans by the
THIRTEENTH Light Infantry in the Action at Jellalabad, on the 7th
April, 1842_.

The Scarlet Standard is of fine _cloth_, and is in tolerable preservation; it has a green border, with a crimson and yellow fringe; on the join, about the centre, a patch of light blue cloth is introduced, on which are neatly sewn some characters in yellow cloth, which probably form an extract from the Koran, the Affghans being known to attach great faith in such inscriptions, which are supposed to ensure victory. The flag is triangular in shape, and swallow-tailed; two of the sides are about eight and nine feet in length, the shortest side being about four feet. The staff, which is the branch of a tree with the bark on, is spear-headed, but is broken at the lower extremity.

The two other Flags are but fragments; like the above they are triangular. They have pointed iron-ends to plant them in the ground. The _Crimson_ flag has a green piece of cloth, with red characters, sewn in. The _Blue_ flag is a sort of coarse printed cotton stuff, and has a rude shawl pattern border. There is about five feet of the flag on both the staffs, which are from eight to nine feet in length. Their appearance betokens that they have seen service, and borne the brunt of battle.

DEPOSITED IN THE ROYAL HOSPITAL AT CHELSEA]

FOOTNOTES:

[6] List of troops under Major-General Mackay, at the battle of _Killicrankie_, 27th July, 1689:--

CAVALRY.

Annandale’s troop of horse } Afterwards incorporated in a regiment,
now Belhaven’s ” ” } the Seventh Hussars.

INFANTRY.

HASTINGS’ Foot, now THIRTEENTH.
Leven’s Foot, now Twenty-fifth.
Kenmare’s Foot, afterwards disbanded.
Mackay’s } _Scots’ Brigade_ in the Dutch Service, afterwards
Balfour’s } _Ninety-fourth Regiment_ in the British line;
Ramsay’s } disbanded in December, 1818.

One hundred of Hastings’ and two hundred of Leven’s, were detached at Inverness, and were consequently not at the battle of Killicrankie.

[7] The bayonet, at this period, was fixed by forcing the handle into the muzzle of the musket; the troops, therefore, could not fire with fixed bayonets.

[8] ‘There was no regiment or troop with me but behaved like the vilest cowards in nature, except HASTINGS’ (THIRTEENTH), and Lord Leven’s (Twenty-fifth), whom I most praise at such a degree, as I cannot but blame others.’--_Mackay’s Despatch to the Duke of Hamilton._

‘I could learn of no commanding officer that misbehaved, though I confess that my Lord Leven, Colonel HASTINGS, and their officers have distinguished themselves in this occasion above all others.’--_Mackay’s Official Narrative of the Battle._

‘My Lord,--Your son has behaved himself with all his officers and soldiers extraordinarily well, as did also Colonel HASTINGS with his.’--_Mackay’s letter to Lord Melville._

[9] When the Moors invaded Spain, about the year 711, they took possession of this rock, as a suitable place for the reception of supplies from the opposite coast, and they called it, in honour of a leader named TARIF, _Gib-el-tarif_, or Tarif’s Mountain; hence the name of _Gibraltar_ is derived.

[10] Lieut.-General Beckwith’s despatch.

[11] ‘Aux Etats de l’île de Jersey. L’an mil huit cent dix-sept, le vingtième jour d’Août.--Sensibles aux soins que le Lieutenant-Colonel Messire William Williams, et tous les autres officiers du treizième régiment d’infanterie de Sa Majesté, ont apporté durant leur séjour dans ce pays à ce concilier l’estime des habitans, et à y entretenier une heureuse harmonie, et pleinement satisfaits du haut dégré de discipline dans lequel ils ont constamment gardé et maintenu le dit régiment, et leur attention à prevenir tout, sujets de plaintes et de disputes, à faire observer l’ordre et respecter les lois, du zèle avec lequel ils se sont toujours prêtés à soutenir et à appuyer les autorités constituées, Les Etats saisissent cette occasion de leur première séance depuis que le dit régiment a été rapellé hors du service de cette île, où il a été en quartier pendant deux ans, pour leur rendre par ce présente acte, le témoignage de leur approbation et leur exprimer leur vive reconnaissance. Et les Etats prient le Lieutenant-Colonel Messire William Williams, Chevalier commandeur de l’honorable ordre du Bain, le Lieutenant-Colonel Weller, et le Lieutenant-Colonel Hancock, qui ont chacun d’eux, l’un après l’autre, eu le commandement du dit régiment, et tous les autres officiers de ce corps, d’en accepter leurs sincères et unanimes remercîments. Les Etats ont requis Son Excellence Monsieur le lieutenant-gouverneur de vouloir bien transmettre, de leur part, le présent acte, au lieutenant-colonel Messire William Williams, lequel est prié de le communiquer à Lieutenant-Colonel Weller, au Lieutenant-Colonel Hancock, et à tous les autres officiers du treizième régiment, auquel effet le greffier est chargé de le transcrire sur parchemin, afin qu’il soit mis sous le sçeau de l’île et de le remettre à Son Excellence.’

FRS. GODFRAY, Greffier.

[12] ‘A very spirited and successful attack was made on the other side of the stockade, by the advance companies of the THIRTEENTH and thirty-eighth regiments, under the command of Major Sale, who, by assisting each other up the face of the stockade, at least ten feet high, entered about the same time as the party by the breach, putting every man to death who opposed their entrance: and it affords me pleasure to state, that the first man who appeared on the top of the work was, I believe, Major SALE of His Majesty’s THIRTEENTH Light Infantry.’--_Major-General Sir A. Campbell’s Despatch._

[13] ‘Nothing could have been more brilliant and successful. He (Brigadier-General M‘Bean) took by assault seven stockades with most rapid succession, throwing the enemy into the utmost consternation.’ ... The brigadier-general assures me the ardour of his column was irresistible, and speaks highly of the able aid he received from Brigadier-General M‘Creagh; he also reports favourably upon the judicious and gallant style in which Majors Sale and Frith, of the THIRTEENTH and thirty-eighth regiments, led the troops under their respective command.’--_Major-General Sir A. Campbell’s Despatch._

[14] ‘I never witnessed a more dashing charge than was made on this occasion by His Majesty’s THIRTEENTH Light Infantry; while the eighteenth native infantry followed their example with a spirit that did them honour, carrying all opposition before them. They burst through the entrenchments, carrying dismay and terror into the enemy’s ranks, great numbers of whom were slain, and the party returned loaded with arms, standards, and other trophies.’--_Major-General Sir A. Campbell’s Despatch._

[15] ‘All their artillery, stores, and reserve depôts, which had cost them so much labour to get up, with a great quantity of small arms, gilt chattahs, standards, and other trophies fell into our hands. Never was victory more complete or decided, and never was a triumph of discipline and valour, over the disjointed efforts of irregular courage and infinitely superior numbers, more conspicuous. Majors Dennie and Thornhill, of the THIRTEENTH Light Infantry were distinguished by the steadiness with which they led their men.’--_Major-General Sir A. Campbell’s Despatch._

[16] ‘In the list of wounded will be seen with regret the name of Major SALE of His Majesty’s THIRTEENTH Light Infantry, an officer whose gallantry has been most conspicuous on every occasion since our arrival at Rangoon. I am happy to say that his wound, though severe, is not dangerous, and I trust his valuable services will not long remain unavailable.’--_Major-General Sir A. Campbell’s Despatch._

[17] Now Lieut.-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, Commanding the Forces at Bombay.

[18] ‘The conduct of His Majesty’s THIRTEENTH and thirty-eighth regiments, during the advance, and their gallantry in the storm, far exceed all that I can write in their praise.’--_Major-General Sir A. Campbell’s Despatch._

[19] Names of the officers of the THIRTEENTH Light Infantry, who served in the campaign in Affghanistan in 1839.

_Lieut.-Colonels._ R. H. Sale, (col.) commanding a brigade. ” W. H.
Dennie ”

_Major._ E. F. Tronson, commanding the regiment.

_Captains._ G. Fothergill, W. Sutherland, J. Kershaw, R. Pattisson,
J. G. D. Taylor, H. N. Vigors.

_Lieutenants._ A. P. S. Wilkinson, J. H. Fenwick, J. Foulstone, P.
R. Jennings, P. D. O. V. Streng, A. E. F. Holcombe, G. King, R.
G. Burslem, F. Holder, W. A. Sinclair, Hon. E. J. W. Forester, T.
Oxley, D. Rattray.

_Ensigns._ E. King, G. Mein, R. E. Frere.

_Paymaster._ H. Carew, _Adjutant_ H. C. Wade.

_Assistant Surgeons._ J. Robertson, G. W. Barnes.

_Captains._ T. C. Squire, major of brigade, H. Havelock,
aide-de-camp to Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, commanding the
right division of the army of the Indus.

_Lieutenant._ J. S. Wood, aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Sale.

_Ensign._ G. Wade, aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Dennie.

[20] Captain H. C. Wade accompanied the force as Head of the Staff, and Captain H. Havelock, who had been appointed Persian Interpreter to the Major-General commanding in Affghanistan, volunteered his services as aide-de-camp to Sir Robert Sale, who expressed his satisfaction of their conduct in his public despatch.

[21] It is gratifying to be able to state, that Colonel Dennie’s appointment as aide-de-camp to the Queen was known at the regiment about a week previous to his lamented fall.

[22] The following interesting circumstance was related by Lord Fitzgerald and Vesey in the House of Lords, in his speech on the 20th February, 1843, regarding the vote of thanks for the operations in Affghanistan. The Adjutant General of the Army in India, acting by the command of Lord Ellenborough, transmitted to the aged mother of Colonel Dennie that medal which her son would have worn, had he happily survived. In replying to the letter which accompanied this token Mrs. Dennie beautifully said, that she accepted it with pleasure and with pride, for she had a right to feel a ‘pride in her son’s life, and in his death.’ Lord Fitzgerald added, that it was impossible to read that passage without honoring the lady, and even more deeply lamenting the fate of the son of whom she had so justly and truly written.

[23] Sir Robert Peel, on moving the vote of thanks to the army employed in Affghanistan, on the 20th February, 1843, alluded in the following terms to Lieutenant Mein’s conduct, while serving with the army on its retreat from Cabool:--“I have said that, in the course of this campaign, instances of the most generous devotion, of friendly sympathy, and of desperate fidelity, were displayed, which deserve at least a passing notice. Lieutenant Eyre says: ‘Lieutenant Sturt (son-in-law to Sir Robert and Lady Sale) had nearly cleared the defile, when he received his wound, and would have been left on the ground to be hacked to pieces by the Ghazees, who followed in the rear to complete the work of slaughter, but for the generous intrepidity of Lieutenant Mein of Her Majesty’s THIRTEENTH Light Infantry, who, on learning what had befallen him, went back to his succour, and stood by him for several minutes, at the imminent risk of his own life, vainly entreating aid from the passers by. He was at length, joined by Serjeant Deane, of the Sappers, with whose assistance he dragged his friend, on a quilt, through the remainder of the Pass, when he succeeded in mounting him on a miserable pony, and conducted him in safety to the camp, where the unfortunate officer lingered till the following morning, and was the only man of the whole force who received Christian burial. Lieutenant Mein was himself at this very time suffering from a dangerous wound in the head received in the previous October, and his heroic disregard of self, and fidelity to his friend in the hour of danger, are well deserving of a record in the annals of British valour and virtue; I think, Sir, it is but just that the name of Lieutenant Mein should be mentioned with honour in the House of Commons, and I do not regret having noticed this circumstance, as it has called forth so generous and general an expression of sympathy and approval.’”

[24] The regiment lost by death a very promising young officer, Lieutenant Scott, this night; and Lieutenant Frere also fell a victim to the fatigues and vicissitudes of the campaign on the 18th November, 1842.

SUCCESSION OF COLONELS

OF THE

THIRTEENTH, OR, PRINCE ALBERT’S REGIMENT

OF

LIGHT INFANTRY.

THEOPHILUS EARL OF HUNTINGDON.

_Appointed 20th June, 1685._

THEOPHILUS seventh EARL OF HUNTINGDON succeeded to that dignity on the decease of his father in 1655. In the reign of King Charles II. he was attached to the principles entertained by James Duke of Monmouth, who was at the head of a political party in the kingdom; but when he suspected the views of those with whom he was connected to be destructive of the constitution, he quitted their party; and in 1683 he was appointed a member of the Privy Council. He held several appointments in the reign of King James II.; was captain of the band of gentleman pensioners, now the honorable corps of gentlemen-at-arms; and on the breaking out of the rebellion of James Duke of Monmouth, in June, 1685, he exerted himself in raising men for the king’s service, and was appointed colonel of one of the regiments of foot embodied on that occasion, now the THIRTEENTH Light Infantry. At the Revolution in 1688, he adhered to King James II., and being with his regiment in garrison at Plymouth, he was arrested by Colonel the Earl of Bath, Lieut.-Colonel Hastings, and other officers, who declared for the Prince of Orange. Continuing firm in his adherence to the Roman Catholic cause, he was removed from his appointments by King William, was excluded from the benefit of the Act of Indemnity passed on the 23rd of May, 1690, and upon the receipt of advice of the intended descent, in favour of King James, from La Hogue, in 1692, he was sent a prisoner to the Tower of London; but he was not long detained in confinement. The Earl of Huntingdon was one of the peers who protested against the Act of Settlement in 1701. He died suddenly at his house in Charles-street, St. James’s, on the 30th of May, 1701.

FERDINANDO HASTINGS.

_Appointed--December, 1688._

FERDINANDO HASTINGS, cousin of Theophilus seventh Earl of Huntingdon, entered the army in the reign of King Charles II., and was promoted to the command of a company in the first foot guards; in 1686, he was appointed lieut.-colonel of the regiment which is now the THIRTEENTH Light Infantry. At the Revolution in 1688, he united with the Earl of Bath in bringing over the garrison of Plymouth to the interest of the Prince of Orange, and was rewarded with the colonelcy of his regiment. He served in Scotland under Major-General Hugh Mackay, against the clans under Viscount Dundee, and distinguished himself at the battle of Killicrankie on the 27th of June, 1689. He afterwards proceeded with his regiment to Ireland, and served at the battle of the Boyne, and at the reduction of Cork and Kinsale, in 1690: he evinced ability and personal bravery in several detached services in 1691, and served in the expedition, under the Duke of Leinster, in 1692. He was afterwards found guilty of extortion in his regiment, and was cashiered on the 4th of March, 1695.

SIR JOHN JACOB, BART.

_Appointed 13th March, 1689._