Chapter I: Part 1

WAR MEDALS OF THE BRITISH ARMY.

The Gold Cross and Clasp
]

WAR MEDALS
OF THE
BRITISH ARMY,
AND
HOW THEY WERE WON.

BY

THOMAS CARTER.

REVISED, ENLARGED, AND CONTINUED TO THE PRESENT TIME

BY

W. H. LONG,

EDITOR OF

“_The Oglander Memoirs_,” “_Memoirs of Lady Hamilton_,” _&c._

“What is a ribbon worth to a soldier?
Everything!—Glory is priceless!”
_Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart._

“He wears her like her medal, hanging
About his neck.”—_Winter’s Tale._

LONDON:
NORIE AND WILSON, 156, MINORIES.
1893.

PREFACE.

When Napoleon proposed the institution of the Legion of Honour, he was met by the assertion that: “Crosses and ribbons were the pillars of an hereditary throne, and that they were unknown to the Romans, who conquered the world.” In his reply to this objection—after showing that Rome rewarded the achievements of her citizens by all kinds of distinctions—he added: “For the soldier, as for all men in active life, you must have glory and distinction; recompenses are the food which nourish military virtue.”

For many years a similar antagonistic feeling to the granting of Medals to all ranks prevailed in this country, although the propriety of rewarding the victors of a hundred fights with some decoration was warmly advocated by the press, and the result eagerly expected by the veterans who had survived.

It remained for her present Majesty the Queen to carry out the foregoing maxim of a great military genius, in her Army and Navy; for with the exception of the Medal given for Waterloo, the soldiers who won the fields of Assaye, Salamanca, and Vittoria, and the gallant seamen who conquered at St. Vincent, the Nile, and Trafalgar, remained undecorated till the year 1847, without even a piece of ribbon to show for the many actions in which they had risked their lives in the service and defence of their country.

The following Work, besides describing the Medals, aims at giving a concise account of the Campaigns and Actions for which Medals and Clasps have been conferred, drawn from the most authentic sources; interspersed with notes and anecdotes of regimental and individual acts of bravery. The engravings have been executed from the Medals themselves, so as to ensure their exact representation; and it is hoped the narratives of “How they were won,” will be found equally trustworthy, as no pains have been spared to secure accuracy.

The accounts of the Wars in New Zealand and South Africa, and of the numerous Expeditions for which the Indian General Service Medal has been granted, will be found in a more detailed and collected form than hitherto published in a single volume.

The first edition of this Work, by the late Mr. T. CARTER, described the Medals of the British Army, and the Campaigns for which they were granted, to the year 1860. This part has been carefully revised, and alterations either of excision or addition made in almost every page. For the accounts of all Expeditions and Battles, and the Decorations given for them, from 1860 to the present date, the Editor alone is responsible.

Descriptions of some Naval Engagements and Actions of Naval Brigades will also be found, as in most of the campaigns the operations of the two branches of the service have been so combined, that it is scarcely possible to describe one without the other.

A complete history of the Medals of the British Navy, and how they were won; forming a companion volume to the present, is now in the press, and will be published as speedily as possible.

W. H. L.

FEBRUARY, 1893.

CORRIGENDA.

Page 176.—In Note, for “colours” read “accoutrements.”
„ 234.—Afghanistan Medals. No. 3, “Candahar and Ghuznee,” was never
issued.

CONTENTS.

PAGE BADGES OF CHARLES I. 2 THE DUNBAR MEDAL 5 THE CULLODEN MEDAL 6 THE EAST INDIA COMPANY’S MEDALS 7 THE MEDAL FOR EGYPT, 1801 8 THE INDIANS WAR MEDAL, 1799–1826 11 THE SERINGAPATAM MEDAL 15 STORM OF ALLIGHUR 17 BATTLE OF DELHI 20 BATTLE OF ASSAYE 22 SIEGE OF ASSEER GHUR 28 BATTLE OF LASWARREE 28 BATTLE OF ARGAUM 31 SIEGE OF GAWILGHUR 32 DEFENCE OF DELHI 33 BATTLE AND CAPTURE OF DEIG 34 NEPAUL WAR, 1816 36 BATTLE OF KIRKEE AND CAPTURE OF POONA 37 BATTLE OF SEETABULDEE AND CAPTURE OF NAGPORE 38 BATTLE OF MAHEIDPORE 39 DEFENCE OF CORYGAUM 40 WAR IN AVA, 1824–26 41 SIEGE AND STORM OF BHURTPORE 50 THE INDIAN MEDAL, 1799–1826 54 THE PENINSULA MEDAL 54 THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN, 1801 59 BATTLE OF ALEXANDRIA 63 THE TURKISH MEDAL FOR EGYPT 70 BATTLE OF MAIDA, 1806 70 THE MAIDA MEDAL 73 BATTLE OF ROLEIA AND VIMIERA 74 THE MEDAL FOR ROLEIA AND VIMIERA 80 SIR JOHN MOORE’S CAMPAIGN 80 SAHAGUN AND BENEVENTE 81 BATTLE OF CORUNNA, 1809 89 BATTLE OF TALAVERA, 1809 95 THE TALAVERA MEDAL 103 CAPTURE OF MARTINIQUE AND GUADALOUPE 105 BATTLE OF BUSACO, 1810 107 BATTLE OF BARROSA, 1811 112 BATTLE OF FUENTES D’ONOR 117 BATTLE OF ALBUHERA, 1811 124 THE ALBUHERA MEDAL 130 CAPTURE OF JAVA, 1811 131 SIEGE OF CIUDAD RODRIGO, 1812 135 SIEGE OF BADAJOZ, 1812 138 BATTLE OF SALAMANCA, 1812 141 CAPTURE OF FORT DETROIT 144 BATTLE OF VITTORIA, 1813 147 ACTIONS OF THE PYRENEES 151 SIEGE OF SAN SEBASTIAN, 1813 158 THE GOLD CROSS AND CLASPS 161 ACTION OF CHATEAUGUAY 165 PASSAGE OF THE NIVELLE, 1813 167 ACTION AT CHRYSTLER’S FARM 169 PASSAGE OF THE NIVE 171 BATTLE OF ORTHES, 1814 174 BATTLE OF TOULOUSE, 1814 176 THE CAMPAIGN IN FLANDERS 180 ACTION AT QUATRE BRAS 181 ACTION OF JUNE 17TH, 1815 185 BATTLE OF WATERLOO 186 THE WATERLOO MEDAL 197 THE CAPE MEDAL 199 CAMPAIGNS IN SOUTH AFRICA, 1834–5 201 SECOND KAFFIR WAR, 1846–7 204 THIRD KAFFIR WAR, 1850–53 206 CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE GALEKAS AND GAIKAS, 1877–78 213 CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE GRIQUAS, 1878 216 THE BASUTO WAR, 1879–80 216 THE ZULU WAR, 1879 218 OPERATIONS AGAINST SEKUKUNI 230 THE AFGHANISTAN MEDALS AND STAR 233 THE FIRST AFGHAN WAR, 1839 235 CAPTURE OF GHUZNEE 237 DEFENCE OF JELLALABAD 242 SECOND AFGHAN CAMPAIGN, 1842 247 ADVANCE ON CABOOL 248 KANDAHAR, 1842 253 KELAT-I-GHILZIE 254 BATTLE OF GONINE 255 RE-CAPTURE OF GHUZNEE 256 SECOND AFGHAN WAR, 1878–9–80 258 ALI MUSJID 260 PEIWAR KOTUL 261 CHARASIA 264 CABUL, 1879 268 AHMED KHEL 272 MARCH TO KANDAHAR, 1880 274 THE CHINA MEDALS, 1840–60 278 THE FIRST CHINESE WAR, 1840–42 279 SECOND CHINESE WAR, 1856–60 286 ACTION OF FATSHAN CREEK 287 CAPTURE OF CANTON 290 CAPTURE OF THE PEIHO FORTS, 1858 292 CAPTURE OF THE TAKU FORTS, 1860 293 OCCUPATION OF PEKIN 295 THE SCINDE MEDALS, 1843 298 THE BATTLE OF MEEANEE 299 BATTLE OF HYDERABAD 302 THE BATTLES OF MAHARAJPOOR AND PUNNIAR, 1843 304 THE SUTLEJ AND PUNJAUB MEDALS 308 THE SUTLEJ CAMPAIGN, 1845–46 309 BATTLE OF MOODKEE 310 BATTLE OF FEROZESHAH 312 BATTLE OF ALIWAL 315 BATTLE OF SOBRAON 318 THE PUNJAUB CAMPAIGN, 1848–9—SIEGE OF MOOLTAN 321 BATTLE OF CHILIANWALA 325 BATTLE OF GOOJERAT 329 THE NEW ZEALAND MEDAL 329 FIRST NEW ZEALAND WAR, 1845–7 332 SECOND NEW ZEALAND WAR, 1860–66 338 THE INDIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 346 SECOND BURMESE WAR, 1852–3 347 THE PERSIAN CAMPAIGN, 1856–7 352 NORTH WEST FRONTIER EXPEDITIONS, 1849–63 356 AGAINST THE AFRIDIS, 1850 356 AGAINST THE HUSSUNZIES AND BOREE AFRIDIS, 1852–3 358 AGAINST THE LURRUCKZAI MOHMUNDS, &C., 1854–5 359 AGAINST THE AFRIDIS AND BOZDARS 359 AGAINST THE CABUL KHAIL WUZEREES, &C., 1859 360 THE UMBEYLA CAMPAIGN 361 BHOOTAN, 1864–5–6 364 LOOSHAI, 1871–72 366 PERAK, 1875–76 367 JOWAKI, 1877–8 369 NAGA, 1875–80 370 BURMA, 1885–87–89 371 SIKKIM, 1888 374 HAZARA, 1888 375 CHIN-LUSHAI, 1889–90 376 SAMANA, 1891 377 THE CRIMEAN MEDAL, 1854–56 378 BATTLE OF THE ALMA 380 SIEGE OF SEBASTOPOL 394 FIRST BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL 395 BATTLE OF BALAKLAVA 398 SORTIE OF OCT. 26TH 403 BATTLE OF INKERMANN 404 SECOND BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL 425 THIRD BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL 431 FOURTH BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL 434 FIFTH BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL 439 FINAL BOMBARDMENT AND FALL OF SEBASTOPOL 440 THE FRENCH MILITARY MEDAL 445 NAMES AND DEEDS OF RECIPIENTS 446 THE SARDINIAN MEDAL 478 NAMES AND DEEDS OF RECIPIENTS 479 THE TURKISH WAR MEDAL 509 MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD 510 THE VICTORIA CROSS 511 NAMES AND DEEDS OF RECIPIENTS 512 THE INDIAN MUTINY MEDAL, 1857–58 545 SIEGE OF DELHI 546 DEFENCE OF LUCKNOW 557 RELIEF OF LUCKNOW 568 CAPTURE OF LUCKNOW 573 CAMPAIGN IN CENTRAL INDIA, 1858 578 THE ABYSSINIAN MEDAL 587 THE ABYSSINIA EXPEDITION, 1868 588 THE ASHANTEE MEDAL 594 THE ASHANTEE WAR, 1873–74 595 THE EGYPTIAN AND SOUDAN MEDALS 602 THE BOMBARDMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, 1882 604 BATTLE OF TEL-EL-KEBIR, 1882 607 WAR IN THE SOUDAN, BATTLE OF EL TEB 610 TAMAAI, 1884 614 SUAKIN, 1884 616 THE NILE, 1884–5 617 ABU KLEA, 1885 619 KIRBEKAN, 1885 623 SUAKIN, 1885 625 TOFREK, 1885 628 GEMAIZAH, 1888 631 TOSKI, 1889 632 NORTH WEST CANADA MEDAL, 1885 634 INDIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL, 1891 635 MEDAL FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT 636 MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE 637 EAST INDIA COMPANY’S MEDAL, 1848 638 THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER 639 INDIAN ORDER OF MERIT 639 MISCELLANEOUS MILITARY MEDALS 640 REGIMENTAL MEDALS 645 MEDALS OF THE MILITIA, YEOMANRY, AND VOLUNTEERS 650

COLOURED PLATES.

THE GOLD CROSS _Frontispiece_ THE INDIAN WAR MEDAL AND THE GUZNEE MEDAL to face page 11 THE SERINGAPATAM MEDAL „ „ 15 THE PENINSULA MEDAL „ „ 54 THE TURKISH MEDAL FOR EGYPT „ „ 70 THE TALAVERA MEDAL „ „ 103 THE WATERLOO MEDAL „ „ 197 THE AFGHANISTAN MEDAL „ „ 233 THE STAR FOR GENERAL ROBERTS’ MARCH „ „ 275 THE MEDAL FOR FIRST CHINESE WAR AND SECOND BURMESE WAR „ „ 279 THE SECOND JELLALABAD MEDAL, AND THE MAHARAJPOOR STAR „ „ 303 THE SUTLEJ AND PUNJAUB MEDALS „ „ 308 THE NEW ZEALAND MEDAL „ „ 332 THE INDIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL „ „ 346 THE CRIMEAN MEDAL „ „ 378 THE FRENCH WAR MEDAL „ „ 445 THE SARDINIAN MEDAL „ „ 477 THE TURKISH MEDAL „ „ 509 MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD „ „ 510 THE VICTORIA CROSS „ „ 511 THE INDIAN MUTINY MEDAL „ „ 545 THE ABYSSINIA MEDAL „ „ 587 THE ASHANTEE MEDAL „ „ 594 THE EGYPTIAN MEDAL „ „ 602 THE KHEDIVE’S STAR „ „ 604 THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL, AND THE CAPE MEDAL „ „ 637

WOODCUTS. PAGE THE DUNBAR MEDAL 5 THE MAIDA MEDAL 73 COIN OF ELLIS 198 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDAL 200 THE GHUZNEE MEDAL, 1839 242 THE FIRST JELLALABAD MEDAL 246 THE GHUZNEE AND CABUL MEDAL 257 THE GERMANTOWN MEDAL 648 MEDAL OF THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND’S SHARPSHOOTERS 651

BRITISH WAR MEDALS.

The highest rewards in all ages and nations have invariably been bestowed upon deeds of valour and martial daring; and no renown has generally been considered equal to that honorably gained by Arms in face of an enemy. The most noble families are proud to trace their descent from some celebrated warrior, and any distinction or trophy won by him is usually more treasured and prized than any other dignity or mark of honour. The custom of striking medals to commemorate victories, important events, or in honour of remarkable persons or deeds, dates from the times of the Greeks and Romans; but only in modern times have medals been issued as a reward of martial services, and worn as personal decorations.

Gold chains and medals were frequently bestowed by Princes in the XV. and XVI. centuries on Ambassadors, and others whom they wished to honour, and these marks of favor were certainly intended to be worn by the recipients; Queen Elizabeth[1] gave medals for naval achievements; but not until the next century can instances be found of such rewards being conferred for distinguished services in the field. Probably the earliest Medal in existence struck by, or for an Englishman, is a war medal dated 1480, of large size, and in the early Italian style. On the obverse is a head with “JO KENDAL RHODI. TURCUPELLARIUS,” and on the reverse the arms of Kendal, with the inscription “TEMPORE OBSIDIONIS TURCORUM, MCCCCLXXX.” The first medals given in England for Military services were struck by order of Charles I., by a warrant dated from the Court at Oxford, May 18th. 1643; to reward such soldiers as distinguished themselves in forlorn hopes. The warrant was issued to the Wardens of the Mint:—

“CHARLES R.,

“Trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well: whereas we have received
information that those soldiers which have been forward to serve us in
the Forlorn-hope, are not looked upon according to their merited
valour and loyal service. We do therefore require, that from
henceforward, the Commander-in-Chief, both of Horse and Foot, which
lead up the Forlorn-hope, upon whom also we mean to bestow special
tokens of our princely favour, do signify in writing the names of
those soldiers whom they find most forward in serving us, their King
and country, that care may be taken to reward their deservings, and
make them specially known to all our good subjects. For which end we
have thought fit to require Sir William Parkhurst, Kt., and Thomas
Bushell, Esq., Wardens of our Mint, to provide from time to time
certain Badges of Silver, containing our Royal image, and that of our
dearest son, Prince Charles, to be delivered to wear on the breast of
every man who shall be certified under the hands of their
Commander-in-Chief to have done us faithful service in the
Forlorn-hope.

“And we do therefore, most straightly command, that no soldier at any
time do sell, nor any of our subjects presume to buy, or wear, any of
these said Badges, other than they to whom we shall give the same, and
that under such pain and punishment as our Council of War shall think
fit to inflict, if any shall presume to offend against this our Royal
command. And we further require the said Commanders and Wardens of our
Mint, to keep several Registers of the names of those, and of their
country, for whom they shall give their certificate. Given at our
Court at Oxford the 18th. day of May, 1643.”

These Medals had the effigy of the King on one side, and of Prince Charles on the other.

On Sunday, October 23rd., 1642, was fought the battle of Edgehill, in which Robert Welsh or Walsh, an Irish gentleman, who commanded a troop of horse, succeeded in recovering from the Parliamentary forces, the standard of the King’s own regiment, taken by them, and also captured two pieces of cannon, and a waggon belonging to the Earl of Essex. The following morning, the king, upon the top of Edgehill, knighted Mr. Walsh, who was presented to him with these trophies by Prince Rupert; and on the 1st. of June, 1643, a gold medal was ordered for this officer, the obverse to bear the royal figure and his son Prince Charles, the reverse to have the royal banner used in the above battle, to be inscribed “PER REGALE MANDATUM CAROLI REGIS HOC ASSIGNATUR ROBERTO WELCH MILITI.” Sir Harris Nicolas states that a copy of the warrant, with a drawing of the medal, which is oval, having on one side the effigies of the king and of Prince Charles, inscribed CAR. REX. M. B. F. ET H. CAR. PRINCEPS; and on the reverse the royal standard, in bend sinister, inscribed “PER REGALE MANDATV’ CAROLI REGIS HOC ASSIGNATUR ROB: WELCH MILITI,” was recorded in the College of Arms, on the 14th. of August, 1685. This medal was worn on the breast, as appears by the knight’s own narrative, printed for himself in 1679. The long parliament passed an act in 1649, enacting that the tenth of all prizes due to the Lord High Admiral, should be appropriated for medals or other rewards for eminent service at sea, which ordinance was repeated in the succeeding year.[2]

After the defeat of the Scots at Dunbar, by Cromwell, on the 3rd. of September, 1650, the House of Commons “ordered that it be referred to the committee of the army, to consider what medals may be prepared for officers and soldiers, that were in this service in Scotland, and set the proportions and the values of them, and their number, and present the estimate of them to the House.” The house voted that the officers and men “which did this excellent service” should be presented with gold and silver medals. Simon, an eminent engraver of that day, was sent to Cromwell, to consult with him as to the device for this medal. Dr. Harris, in the appendix to his “Historical and Critical Account of Oliver Cromwell,” page 538, has printed an original letter of Cromwell’s to the parliament (then in the possession of James Lamb, Esq., of Fairford, in Gloucestershire, and subsequently of John Raymond Barker, of the same place), on Symond’s (Simon) proceeding as above stated. The letter is highly characteristic, and is as follows.—

“For ye Honble the Committee for the Army, these.

“Gentl.,—It was not a little wonder to me to see that you should send
Mr. Symonds so great a journey about a business importinge so little,
as far as it relates to me when, as if my poore opinion may not be
rejected by you, I have to offer to that wch I thinke the most noble
end, to witt, the commemoracon of that great mercie at Dunbar, and the
gratuitie to the army, wch might better be expressed upon the meddal
by engraving as on the one side the Parliamt, wch I heare was
intended, and will do singularly well; so, on the other side, an army
wth this inscription over the head of it, The Lord of Hosts, wch was
or word that day: wherefore, if I may begg it as a favor from you, I
most earnestly beseech you, if I may do it wth out offence, that it
may be soe; and if you thinke not fitt to have it as I offer, you may
alter it as you see cause, only I doe thinke I may truely say it will
be verie thankfully acknowledged by me, if you will spare the having
my effigies in it.

“The gentlemans paynes and trouble hither have been verie great, and I
shall make it my seconde suite unto you that you will please to
conferr upon him that imploymt in yr service wch Nicholas Briott had
before him; indeed, the man is ingenious and worthie of encouragemt. I
may not presume much, but if at my request and for my sake he may
obteyne this favor, I shall put it upon the accompt of my obligacons,
wch are not a few, and I hope shal be found readie gratefully to
acknowledge and to approve myself, Gentl.,

“Yor most reall servant,

“Edinburgh, 4th. of Feb., 1650–1.” “O. CROMWELL.”

Cromwell’s modesty was over-ruled, and the medal bears his bust. On the obverse is the head of Cromwell, profile; under the shoulder, Tho: Simon F.; the motto about the head, WORD AT DUNBAR,—THE LORD OF HOSTS,—SEPTEM YE 3, 1650; behind the head a prospect of the battle. The reverse has the House of Commons sitting, as represented on the Parliament Great Seal, 1648, and also on that of the Commonwealth, 1651. It is remarkable also for Cromwell’s likeness when Lieutenant-General. This is engraved in “The Medallick History of England,” and in “Simon’s Medals and Coins.” The Dunbar Medal is of two sizes,[3] and is the first given generally to officers and men, as is the present practice, and no instance occurred of a general distribution of medals by the Sovereign’s command until that for Waterloo was authorised.[4]

In the two works immediately referred to there are engravings of several medals, probably worn by officers and soldiers as honorary badges; some contain the effigy of King Charles the First or Prince Rupert, or Sir Thomas Fairfax or his son, or the Earls of Essex, Manchester, or Dumferline, General Rossiter, or of other Parliamentary commanders; on the reverse were their names or arms, or a representation of the Parliament, or the words MERUISTI, or PRO RELIGIONE LEGE ET PARLIAMENTO, or FOR KING AND PARLIAMENT. It now seems impossible to discover the precise history of these medals. The victory of Naseby, on the 14th. of June, 1645, was commemorated by a silver-gilt medal, with a ring: on one side was the effigy of Sir Thomas Fairfax, inscribed, THO: FAIRFAX MILES MILIT. PARL. DUX. GEN.; the reverse bore MERUISTI, within a circle, and POST HÆC MELIORA, 1645. The Parliamentary medal, which was distinct from the naval medal, before adverted to, cannot be described with certainty; but it is supposed to have had the effigies of the victorious generals on one side, and the Parliament on the other. It appears to have been instituted soon after that for Dunbar, as the House of Commons conferred it on Colonel Mackworth, by resolution dated the 27th. of August, 1651, with a chain of gold to the value of one hundred pounds. This officer was governor of Shrewsbury, and his service consisted in refusing to surrender the castle and garrison when summoned by the forces of the royalists.

With these exceptions the medals of the Commonwealth era appear to have been given for naval services against the Dutch, such distinctions being granted to Generals Blake and Monk, Vice-Admiral Penn, and Rear-Admiral Lawson, and certain officers of the fleet. Blake’s medal for the victory over the Dutch fleet off the Texel, in 1653, was purchased by William the Fourth for one hundred and fifty guineas. At this period the position of these officers was scarcely defined, for at times they appear to have fought on land as well as at sea.[5]

The medals of succeeding reigns appear to have been confined to naval services: although medals were struck in commemoration of the victories of the great Duke of Marlborough, it is certain that they were not worn by either officers or soldiers.

After the battle of Culloden, on the 16th. of April, 1746, a gold medal was struck, having on the obverse, the head of the Duke of Cumberland; the reverse had a figure of Apollo, and a dragon pierced by an arrow, inscribed, ACTUM EST ILICET PERIT, and in the exergue, PRÆL. Colod. AP. xvi., MDCCXLVI. This medal was given to officers who commanded regiments at the battle, and was worn round the neck by a crimson ribbon with a green border.

The medals granted by the HONOURABLE EAST INDIA COMPANY[6] are next in order of time.

A medal was issued to Officers and men, by the East India Company, for the Campaigns in the Deccan, against Hyder Ali and his son Tippoo Sahib, 1780–84. This medal was granted by an order in Council, January 19th., 1784, and was in gold, silver, and inferior metal. Obverse, Britannia, seated upon a trophy of Arms, holding a wreath in her outstretched hand towards a fortress in the distance. Reverse, an inscription in Persian, which may thus be translated: “The courage and exertions of those valiant men by whom the name of Englishmen has been celebrated and exalted from Hindostan to the Deccan, having been established throughout the world, this has been granted by the Government of Calcutta, in commemoration of the excellent services of the brave. Year of the Hegira, 1199,” _i.e._, 1784. Within a circle is the following legend, also in Persian: “As coins are current in the world, so shall the bravery and exploits of those heroes by whom the names of the victorious English nation was carried from Bengal to the Deccan.” Suspended from a yellow cord.

In 1793, June 4th., by an order in Council, the East India Company granted a medal to the Officers and men under Lord Cornwallis, General Meadows, and General Abercromby, engaged in the war in Mysore, 1791–92, against Tippoo Sahib. The medal was issued in gold, silver, etc., as the Deccan Medal. Obverse, a Sepoy in the Military costume of the time, holding the British flag in his right hand, in his left the Mysore banner reversed, in the background a view of Seringapatam. Reverse, within a wreath, “For services in the Mysore, 1791–1792”; surrounded by a Persian inscription, “A token of the bravery of the troops of the English Government in the war in the Mysore, in the year of the Hegira, 1205–1206.”

There were two sizes of this medal in silver, and it was worn suspended from a yellow silk cord.

One of the most dashing exploits in the war of Mysore was the capture of Bangalore, the second city in the dominions of Tippoo. It was enclosed by a high wall and a deep ditch, and the gate was covered by a close thicket of Indian thorns. The attack was made without any examination of the ground, and the troops in advancing and endeavouring to force an entrance, were exposed to a destructive fire of musketry. Colonel Moorhouse, one of the best officers in the service, fell mortally wounded. At length Lieutenant Ayre, a man of diminutive stature, succeeded in forcing his way through the shattered gate; which gallant action, being observed by General Meadows, he shouted to the stormers, “Well done! now whiskers, try if you can follow and support the little gentleman.” This animated appeal succeeded, the troops rushed through the gate into the town, and drove out the enemy at the point of the bayonet.

By an order in Council, Fort William, May 15th. 1807, a medal was granted to the troops engaged in the capture of Ceylon from the Dutch, 1795–96. Obverse, “For services in the Island of Ceylon, A.D. 1795–96.” Reverse, an inscription in Persian, “This medal was given by way of acknowledgement of services in Ceylon, in the year of the Hegira, 1209–1210,” suspended from a yellow silk cord. (_Seringapatam Medal, see post_).

A medal for services in Egypt was granted by general order, July 31st., 1802. In 1801, General Sir David Baird was dispatched from India in command of a force of 2,800 British troops, 2,000 Sepoys, and 400 picked artillerymen, to Egypt, to join the army under Sir Ralph Abercromby, landed them from England, to act against the French. Sir David was joined on the 17th. of May, at Jeddah, in the Red Sea, by an expedition from the Cape of Good Hope, consisting of the 61st. Regiment, some light cavalry and artillery, and on June 8th. landed at Cossier. (_See Egyptian Campaign, post_). Obverse, a Sepoy holding a Union Jack in his right hand, in rear, a camp, with an inscription in Persian: “This medal has been presented in commemoration of the defeat of the French armies in the Kingdom of Egypt, by the bravery and ability of the victorious army of England.” Reverse, a ship in full sail, with the Union Jack flying; pyramids and obelisk in the back ground. In the exergue, the date, 1801. Worn as the preceding.

In 1850 a clasp was added to this medal, which was sanctioned by the Queen in 1848.

In July, 1810, a small Anglo-Indian force, under the command of Colonel Keating, with a squadron of ships of the Royal Navy, under Commodore Rowley, captured the Isle of Bourbon from the French.

On the 29th. of November of the same year, an army of about 10,000 men from India, commanded by General J. Abercromby, assisted by a squadron of ships, under the command of Vice-Admiral Bertie, landed in the Isle of France, and after a smart action, in which the French were defeated, General Decaen, the French Governor, proposed terms of capitulation, and on December 3rd., surrendered the Island to Great Britain. Two hundred and nine pieces of heavy ordnance, with ample stores of ammunition, five French frigates, and a corvette, with twenty-four merchant ships, were captured. From that time, the Isle of France, henceforth known by its older name of Mauritius, has remained a dependency of the British crown.

For these services a medal was granted, by general order, dated, Fort William, September 10th., 1811. Obverse, a Sepoy holding the Union Jack, trampling on the French colours and Eagle; by his side a gun; in the back ground, ships at anchor. Reverse, within a wreath a Persian inscription: “This medal was conferred in commemoration of the bravery and accustomed fidelity exhibited by the Sepoys of the English company in the capture of the Mauritius Islands, in the year of the Hegira, 1223.” Round the wreath, “RODRIGUES, 6th. July, MDCCCIX. BOURBON, 8th. July, and ISLE OF FRANCE, 3rd. December, MDCCCX.” The medal is worn as the preceding.

Her Majesty’s 69th. and 86th. Regiments were engaged in this service.

By a general order, February 11th., 1812, a medal was conferred on the troops, numbering about 12,000, engaged in the reduction of Java, under the command of General Sir S. Auchmuty. (_See capture of Java, post_). Obverse, Sepoys carrying Fort Cornelis; on the flag-staff is the British flag over the Dutch, above, the word CORNELIS. Reverse, a Persian inscription: “This medal was given in commemoration of the valour and courage displayed by the Sepoys of the East India Company, in the capture of Java, in the year of the Hegira, 1228.” The legend is in English, “Java, conquered, 26th. August, MDCCCXI.” Worn as the preceding.

Her Majesty’s 14th., 59th., 69th., 78th., and 89th. Regiments of foot were present at the capture of Java.

A medal was granted by general order, March 20th., 1816, for the two campaigns in Nepaul, 1814–16, under Generals Marley, Wood, Gillespie (who was killed), and Ochterlony. Obverse, troops marching across hills crowned with stockades; on the left, a field gun. Reverse, inscription in Persian: “This medal was given by the Nawab Governor-General Bahadur, in testimony of the energy, good service, skill, and intrepidity which were displayed during the campaigns on the hills, in the year of the Hegira, 1229–1230.”

Worn as the preceding. A clasp for Nepaul was granted with the “Army of India” Medal in 1851. (_See War in Nepaul, post_).

In 1826, April 22nd., a medal was granted for the first Burmese War, 1824–26, troops commanded by Sir Archibald Campbell and General Morrison. Obverse, the white Elephant of Burmah crouching to the British Lion; the Burmese colours lowered to the Union Jack, palm-trees in the back ground. A Persian inscription: “The Elephant Ava submitting to the British Lion, 1826.” Reverse, a storming party advancing towards the Great Pagoda of Rangoon, a steam-boat and boats on the river Irrawaddy; Sir A. Campbell directing the movement in the foreground, under a palm-tree. An inscription in Persian: “The Standard of the victorious army of England in Ava.” This medal is by Wyon, and worn with a crimson ribbon with blue edge. A clasp for “Ava,” was given with the “Army of India” Medal in 1851. (_See War in Ava, post_).

The Indian War Medal.—1799–1826

The Ghuznee Medal.—1830
]

THE INDIAN WAR MEDAL.
1799–1826.

On the 21st. of March, 1851, a General Order was issued, announcing that The Queen had been pleased to signify her assent to a measure that had been proposed by the Court of Directors of the East India Company, of granting a medal to the surviving officers and soldiers of the Crown, who were engaged in the following services in India:—Storm of Allighur, September 4th., 1803; Battle of Delhi, September 11th., 1803; Battle of Assaye, September 23rd., 1803; Siege of Asseer Ghur, October 21st., 1803; Battle of Lawsarree, November 1st., 1803; Battle of Argaum, November 29th., 1803; Siege and Storm of Gawilghur, December 15th., 1803; Defence of Delhi, October, 1804; Battle of Deig, November 13th., 1804; Capture of Deig, December 23rd., 1804; War in Nepaul in 1816; Battle of Kirkee, and Battle and Capture of Poona, November, 1817; Battle of Seetabuldee, and Battle and Capture of Nagpoor, November and December, 1817; Battle of Maheidpore, December 21st., 1817; Defence of Corygaum, January 1st., 1818; War in Ava, 1824 to 1826; and Siege and Capture of Bhurtpore, January, 1826.

The mode of application was similar to that specified in the General Order granting the War Medal, (_see War or Peninsula Medal, post_,) but the concluding paragraph announced that, “It having, moreover, been represented to Her Majesty, that the officers and soldiers of the Crown, who were engaged in the Mysore war, and at the Siege of Seringapatam had already received medals from the East India Company for those services, Her Majesty has further been graciously pleased to permit the same to be worn by them with their uniforms.”

Following the order of date, the first service is

THE MYSORE WAR AND SIEGE OF SERINGAPATAM.
FEBRUARY TO MAY, 1799.

Although the reduction of the power and resources of Tippoo Sahib, effected by the treaty of Seringapatam, which terminated the campaign of 1792, had weakened his influence, yet it had not extinguished his intense hatred of the British. The Sultan had entered into a negotiation with the Governor of the Isle of France, in 1798, and sent an embassy to Zemaun Shah, Sovereign of Cabool, for the purpose of inducing him to attack the possessions of the Company. Having also derived encouragement from the successes of the French arms in Egypt, from which country the Directory intended to act against the British dominions in India, Tippoo commenced augmenting his military force, and his hostile designs became every day more apparent. The Governor-General the Earl of Mornington (afterwards Marquis of Wellesley) perceiving a rupture inevitable, resolved to anticipate the attack, and ordered the army to take the field, and march into the heart of Tippoo’s territory.

Major-General George (afterwards Lord) Harris, who was serving with the local rank of Lieutenant-General, in conformity to these orders, advanced with the army under his command on the 11th. of February, 1799, and entered the Mysore territory on the 5th. of March. On the 27th. the troops arrived at Mallavelly, and on approaching the ground of encampment the forces of Tippoo were seen drawn up on a height a few miles off. The enemy attacked the advanced pickets, and a general action ensued, in which the 33rd. regiment highly distinguished itself. A body of two thousand men moved forward in the best order towards the regiment, which, firmly standing its ground, coolly reserved its fire until within a distance of about sixty yards, and then led by its Lieutenant-Colonel, the Honourable Arthur Wellesley, in person, boldly advanced, and charging with the bayonet, compelled the approaching column to give way. This movement being seconded by Major-General Floyd, who made a rapid charge with the cavalry, completed the disorder, and the enemy retreated before the whole of the British line, which immediately moved forward.

While this attack was being made by the left wing, under Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Arthur Wellesley, with the Nizam’s contingent, the 33rd., and Major-General Floyd’s cavalry, Lieutenant-General Harris with the troops, which formed the right wing, had been also engaged.[7]

In this affair Tippoo sustained a loss of nearly two thousand, including some of his most valuable officers; whilst the British casualties amounted to only sixty-six men.

On the following morning the army advanced, and arrived before Seringapatam on the 5th. of April, when preparations for the siege were at once commenced.

An attack was made on an entrenchment of the enemy about six o’clock in the evening of the 20th. of April, in which the flank companies of the 12th. and 73rd. regiments were employed. This was successful, and although the enemy had two hundred and fifty men killed and wounded, and the entrenchment was occupied by about eighteen hundred of Tippoo’s infantry, the British had but one man wounded.

The siege was prosecuted with vigour, and a breach being reported practicable on the 3rd. of May, the assault was ordered to take place in the heat of the following day, as the besieged would then be the least prepared to oppose the attack. On this service were employed the ten flank companies of the European corps necessarily left to guard the camp, and outposts, followed by the 12th., 33rd., 73rd., and 74th. regiments, three corps of grenadier Sepoys, two hundred of the Nizam’s troops, a hundred of the artillery, and the corps of pioneers, the whole under the orders of Major-General (afterwards Sir David) Baird. The assault took place about half-past one o’clock in the afternoon of the 4th. of May, and in a short space of time the British colours waved over the fortress.[8] The Major-General had divided his force for the purpose of clearing the ramparts to the right and left; one division was commanded by Colonel Sherbrooke, and the other by Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlop; the latter was wounded, but both corps, although strongly opposed, were completely successful. The spirited attack, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, of the 74th. Highlanders, was particularly mentioned in general orders, in which all the officers and men were thanked for this memorable achievement. The body of Tippoo Sultan was found among heaps of slain, and was afterwards interred in the magnificent mausoleum which he had erected over the tomb of his father, the once powerful Hyder Ali, a portion of the victorious troops attending the ceremony.

In this manner terminated the siege of Seringapatam, and the fall of the capital placed the kingdom of Mysore at the disposal of the British government, and destroyed a power in India which had proved itself a formidable enemy.

The following regiments were engaged in the storming and capture of Seringapatam on the 4th. of May, 1799; namely, the 19th. and 22nd. (late 25th.) Light Dragoons, (both since disbanded;) the 12th., 33rd., 73rd., 74th., 75th., 77th. regiments, the Scots Brigade, afterwards the 94th.[9] regiment, and the 103rd.

THE SERINGAPATAM MEDAL.—1799.
]

THE SERINGAPATAM MEDAL,[10] 1799.

This medal was distributed to officers and soldiers—European and Native—on one side of it is represented the storming of the breach of Seringapatam, from an actual drawing on the spot, with the meridian sun, denoting the time of the storm, and the following inscription in Persian underneath:—“The Fort of Seringapatam, the gift of God, the 4th. May, 1799.” On the reverse side is the British Lion subduing the Tiger, the emblem of the late Tippoo Sultan’s Government, with the period when it was effected, and the following words in Arabic on the banner:—“ASSUD OTTA-UL GHAULIB,” signifying the Lion of God is the Conqueror, or the Conquering Lion of God.

Of these medals gold ones were struck for His Majesty, the Right Honourable Lord Melville, the Governor-General of India at the time, the Marquis Cornwallis, the Nizam and his two ministers, the Peishwah and his minister, the Nabobs of Arcot and Oude, and the Rajahs of Tanjore, Travancore, Mysore, Coorga, and Berar, Dowlut Rao Scindiah, the Commander-in-Chief, general officers on the staff employed in the Service, and for the Oriental Museum.

Silver-gilt medals were struck for the members of council at the three Presidencies, the Residents of Hydrabad and Poonah, the field officers, and the general staff on the service. Silver for the captains and subalterns, copper-bronzed for the non-commissioned officers, and pure grain tin for the privates.

The European officers of the Company’s service received permission in August, 1815, to wear the Seringapatam Medal. On the 16th. of that month the following representation was made to the Right Honourable the Earl of Buckinghamshire:—

“MY LORD,

“Medals having been struck by the Court of
Directors, with the approbation and concurrence of His Majesty’s
Ministers, in commemoration of the storming of Seringapatam, and of
the other splendid successes of the British Army in Mysore, in 1799;
to be executed by an eminent artist, and distributed to the officers
and soldiers, both of His Majesty’s, and of the Company’s troops, who
served in that brilliant and decisive campaign.

“The European officers of the Company’s Service have represented to us
that highly as they have been gratified with the receipt of those
honourable bestowments, they experienced considerable mortification in
not feeling themselves at liberty to wear them on great public
occasions, such as being presented at Court, and at the Military
Levees of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief.

“This sentiment necessarily strikes them with peculiar force at the
present period, when all the officers of Europe, who have
distinguished themselves in the service of their several Sovereigns,
appear upon all public occasions, decorated with the honourable badges
of their services and glory.

“We therefore intreat your Lordship to transmit these circumstances to
His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent, and to solicit his gracious
permission, that the medals granted by the East India Company, upon
the occasion of the capture of Seringapatam by storm on the 4th. of
May, 1799, and the other splendid successes of the British Army in
Mysore in that year, may be worn by the officers, who have received
them, in such manner, and at such times as to His Highness may appear
proper.

“We have etc.,
“CHARLES GRANT.
“THOMAS READ.”

This request was complied with in a letter, dated Whitehall, 29th. August, 1815, of which the accompanying is an extract:—

“Gentlemen,

“His Royal Highness has been pleased to grant
his gracious permission that such officers may wear their medals in
any part of His Majesty’s dominions.

“To the Chairman and (Signed) BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.”
Deputy-Chairman.”

STORM OF ALLIGHUR.
4TH. SEPTEMBER, 1803.

This service occurred during the Mahratta war. The empire of the Mahrattas, of which Sevajee was the founder, had become a confederacy of five chieftains, the Peishwah, Scindiah, Holkar, the Rajah of Berar, and the Guicowar; each of whom, although acknowledging a kind of fealty to the descendant of Sevajee, was independent of the other. The Peishwah, who was regarded as the nominal head of the confederation, was considered only as an instrument in the hands of the strongest. Dowlut Rao Scindiah, who ruled over Malwa and Candeish, had acquired an absolute control in the councils of Bajee Rao, the Peishwah, and was regarded with great jealousy by his rival Holkar. Both these chieftains had armies officered by Europeans, principally Frenchmen. Holkar suddenly crossed the Nerbudda, marched on Poonah, and having defeated the united troops of Scindiah and the Peishwah, the latter placed himself under the protection of the British, and after his restoration in May, 1803, it was ascertained that Scindiah was in négociation with Holkar and the Berar Rajah, with a view to subvert the British alliance with the Peishwah. After the evasions and procrastinations inseparable from oriental diplomacy, hostilities commenced, Major-General the Honourable Arthur Wellesley being appointed to the chief command of the British and allied troops in the territories of the Peishwah, of the Nizam, and of any Mahratta state; subject alone to the orders of General Stuart and General Lake, the Commander-in-Chief in India.

General Lake was instructed to conquer the whole of Scindiah’s territory between the Jumna and the Ganges, to seize upon Delhi and Agra, and to destroy the army commanded by General Perron, a French officer. On the 7th. of August, 1803, the troops advanced from Cawnpore, and entered the Mahratta territory on the morning of the 29th. of that month. Perron occupied a strong position, with about fifteen thousand men, in the vicinity of Coel. General Lake resolved to turn his left flank, against which he advanced, but the enemy retired after firing a few rounds, without venturing a regular engagement; the rapidity of his flight rendering the several attempts made to charge him quite ineffectual. After this affair, Perron took up a position between the town of Coel and the fortress of Allighur, and every effort to induce the governor to surrender proving unsuccessful, the necessary arrangements were made for the assault of the fort.

Allighur was a place of considerable strength, the country being levelled around and open to its fire in every direction. It was provided with a broad ditch and a fine glacis, and had only one entrance, which was very intricate, and over a narrow causeway. On the 4th. of September, a storming party, consisting of four companies of the 76th., with two battalions and four companies of native infantry, was placed under the orders of the Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Monson. At half-past four o’clock in the morning it had advanced within a few hundred yards of the place before being discovered; when, a tremendous fire being opened, the colonel rushed forward with the flank companies of the regiment, in the hope of being able to enter the main gateway with a fugitive guard which had been stationed in a breastwork outside the place. In this he was disappointed, and, as the enemy’s cross fire was very severe, Major Macleod, and two grenadiers of the regiment, endeavoured to scale the wall, but encountered such a powerful phalanx of pikemen that they were compelled to fall back. A gun was with some difficulty placed opposite to the gate, which, after a few discharges, was blown open. During these operations the party for twenty minutes was exposed to a raking fire of grape, wall pieces, and matchlocks. Colonel Monson was severely wounded by a pike discharged from a gun, and the adjutant and four officers of grenadiers were killed.

After clearing the first gate, a long and intricate passage conducted the troops, in the midst of a heavy cross fire, through a second and third gateway, which were easily forced, to a fourth, that led immediately into the body of the place. With great difficulty the gun was brought up, but the gate could not be blown open. At last the grenadiers, with Major Macleod at their head, succeeded in pushing through the wicket, and mounted the ramparts, after which but little opposition was offered by the Mahrattas, who for the space of an hour had made a most vigorous defence. They lost about two thousand men, while the casualties of the assailants were likewise severe.

As Allighur was the chief residence and principal depôt of General Perron, a large quantity of ordnance and military stores were captured, and several carriages were found laden with treasure, which the victors divided amongst themselves on the spot. A few days after the fall of this fortress, General Perron withdrew from the Mahratta service; his popularity amongst the natives had excited the jealousy of Scindiah, whose conduct would have palliated a severe retaliation; but the high-minded Frenchman, disdaining an unworthy action, resigned the command under circumstances most honourable to his personal character.

The 76th. may feel proud of the praise which was bestowed upon the regiment and its officers by the Governor-General for their gallantry.[11]

BATTLE OF DELHI.
11TH. SEPTEMBER, 1803.

Although General Perron had been permitted to enter the British territories, the troops which he had commanded still remained under other officers. Having left a sufficient force at Allighur, the British proceeded towards Delhi on the 7th. of September. After a fatiguing march of eighteen miles, and when, on the 11th. of that month, they had arrived within two leagues of the city, information was received that M. Louis Bourquin, another French officer in command of Scindiah’s army, had crossed the Jumna with a numerous force, in order to attack General Lake. This intelligence was quickly confirmed by an attack upon the outlying pickets which had just been posted.

The British commander immediately proceeded with the whole of his cavalry to reconnoitre the enemy, and found them drawn up in order of battle on a rising ground, their flanks resting on a morass, while the front was defended by a line of entrenchments and a formidable artillery. As it was considered impossible to make any impression upon so excellent a position by a direct attack, stratagem was employed to induce them to quit it. The cavalry, which had proceeded considerably in advance, were directed to fall back before the Mahrattas, and afterwards to form behind the right wing of the infantry. This manœuvre was completely successful; the cavalry retired, while the infantry were quickly formed, and advanced in line, under a tremendous cannonade of round, grape, and chain shot. Nothing could exceed the steadiness of the troops; no man took his musket from his shoulder until arrived within a proper distance of the enemy. A volley was fired, and General Lake, placing himself at the head of the 76th. the whole line rushed forward to the charge with an impetuosity which it was impossible to withstand. Thrown into confusion, the Mahrattas fled in the utmost consternation, while the cavalry, dashing forward, completed the work which their irresistible companions had so well commenced. Bourquin was the first man to leave the field, and he surrendered, with five other foreign officers, three days after to his conqueror.

By this splendid victory, sixty-eight pieces of cannon, two tumbrils laden with treasure, and thirty-seven with ammunition, fell into the hands of the conquerors. The loss of the enemy was estimated at three thousand men out of thirteen thousand infantry (nearly all regular troops), and six thousand cavalry, which had been brought into the field. Of the British, who had four thousand engaged, four hundred and eighty-five were killed, wounded, and missing. The 76th., the only King’s regiment at Allighur, Delhi, or at the subsequent battle at Laswarree, had two sergeants and thirty-one rank and file killed; Lieutenant Alexander Macdonald, one sergeant, and ninety-six rank and file were wounded.

Delhi was entered without opposition, and the venerable and blind emperor, Shah Aulum, the nominal sovereign of Hindostan, who had been for years in the hands of the Mahrattas, was restored to his throne.

In testimony of the gallantry of the troops under General Lake, the Governor-General in council ordered honorary colours, with a suitable device, commemorative of the reduction of Allighur and the battle of Delhi, to be presented to all. Those granted[12] to the 27th. Dragoons (since disbanded) and the 76th. Regiment, were to be used by these corps while they continued in India, or until His Majesty’s pleasure should be signified.

BATTLE OF ASSAYE.
23RD. SEPTEMBER, 1803.

This was the battle which gained a name for the illustrious Duke of Wellington, and it is commemorated on the colours of the 74th. and 78th. regiments. On the 21st. of September, Major-General the Honourable Arthur Wellesley had a conference with Colonel Stevenson, and a plan was concerted to attack the enemy’s army with the divisions under their command on the 24th. This intention was not carried out, as circumstances occurred which determined the former to attack without waiting for the junction of the troops.

On the 23rd. of September, while on the march, it was discovered that the enemy was much nearer than was imagined; whereupon Major-General Wellesley immediately determined to move in advance to reconnoitre them, and if convenient bring them to action. He ordered the cavalry to mount, and went on with them for this purpose; the infantry, except the rear battalion (1st. of the 2nd. Native Infantry), received directions to follow by the right. The second of the 12th. to join the left brigade to equalize the two; the first of the second to cover the baggage on the ground marked for the camp, and to be joined by the rear-guard on its arrival, and four brass light twelve-pounders to be sent to the heads of the line.

These dispositions did not occasion ten minutes’ halt to the column of infantry, but the cavalry moving in front with the Major-General, came first in sight of the enemy’s position, from a rising ground to the left of the road, and within cannon-shot of the right of their encampment, which lay along one of the banks of the River Kaitna, a stream of no magnitude, but with steep sides and a very deep channel, so as not to be passable except in particular places, mostly near villages. Along their rear ran a similar stream (the Jooee Nullah), which fell into the Kaitna half a mile beyond their left. Scindiah’s irregular cavalry formed their right, and the Berar troops their left. These were composed of seventeen battalions, amounting to about ten thousand five hundred men, formed into three brigades, each of which had a corps of cavalry of a better kind than the rest, and a body of skilled marksmen; and the artillery amounted to about one hundred and two pieces, or perhaps a few more.

The infantry were dressed, armed, and accoutred like the Sepoys; they were remarkably fine men, and in a high state of discipline. Although the English officers had left them, there was a number of French and other European officers both with the infantry and artillery. The guns were served by Golundaze, exactly like those of the Bengal service, which had been some time before disbanded, and were probably the same men. It was soon, however, found that they were extremely well trained, and that their fire was both as quick and as well-directed as could be produced by the Company’s artillerymen. What the total number of the enemy was cannot be ascertained, or even guessed at with any degree of accuracy, but it is certainly calculated very low at thirty thousand men, including the light troops who were out on a plundering excursion (and were those which had marched in the morning), but they returned towards the close of the action.

The force of Major-General Wellesley’s army in action was nearly four thousand seven hundred men, of whom about one thousand five hundred were Europeans, including artillery with twenty-six field pieces, of which only four twelve and eight six-pounders were fired during the action; the remainder being the guns of the cavalry and of the second line, could not be used.