Chapter XII: Part 12

Tientsin was reached by the allies on the 6th. of September, when the Chinese authorities as usual endeavoured to gain time by negociation. On arrival at the encamping ground, it was found occupied by a large Chinese army, while batteries had been hastily thrown up; Mr. Parkes, (accompanied by Lieutenant Anderson, of Fane’s Irregular Horse, Mr. De Norman, and Mr. Bowlby, the special correspondent of “The Times,” whose vigorous reports were of such universal interest), proceeded to Tang-chow to ascertain the reason of this threatening attitude.[102] Mr. Loch, accompanied by Captain Brabazon, Deputy-Assistant Quartermaster-General, were afterwards despatched under a flag of truce to order them to return. Meanwhile the Chinese line opened fire, and an action ensued, when their troops, far superior in numbers were dispersed, the enemy losing six hundred men, and seventy-five guns. This action was fought on the Chow-Ho on the 18th. of September, and another occurred on the 21st. of September, on which day the 1st. or King’s Dragoon Guards performed “very excellent service.”[103] The Chinese entrenched camp was taken, and they were driven back upon Pekin. Nearly six hundred pieces of cannon were captured by the allies during these operations. Continuing the advance on that city, a portion of the French army occupied the famed Summer Palace of the Emperor. On the 7th. of October the Chinese were informed, that if the prisoners were not restored, and one of the gates of Pekin delivered up, the city would be stormed. This was agreed to, and a force of two hundred French and British took peaceable possession of the gate at noon on the 13th. of October. This operation concluded the campaign.[104] The crowning result was that the former treaty was ratified, a large sum of money was paid by the Chinese, and such prisoners as survived were released. Some of them, however, died from the savage treatment they experienced, and amongst them were Mr. De Norman, Lieutenant Anderson, Mr. Bowlby, and Captain Brabazon. £100,000 were paid by the Chinese as a compensation to the relatives of the murdered prisoners; and Kowloon, a district at the mouth of the Canton river, opposite Hong Kong, was ceded to the British Government.

THE SCINDE MEDALS, 1843.

These medals were granted by the Government of India, to those who served in the Scinde campaign of 1843, and were present at the battles of Meeanee and Hyderabad, under Sir Charles Napier. There are three varieties of this medal, the obverse of all being the same; the head of the Queen with the legend “Victoria Regina,” reverse, No. 1 has the word “Meeanee” inscribed within a circle of laurel leaves, surmounted by a crown, and below is the date 1843, awarded to those present at the battle of Meeanee only. No 2, has on the reverse “Meeanee” and “Hyderabad,” with the date; given to those who were engaged in both battles. No. 3 has on the reverse the word “Hyderabad,” with the date; given to those who were present at Hyderabad only. No clasp. Ribbon—rainbow pattern. These medals are similar to that granted for meritorious service, of which an illustration is given in this work; the names of the battles being inscribed within the wreath, instead of the words “For Meritorious Service.” Four ships of the Indian navy took part in this campaign, and their officers and crews received the medal. The 22nd. was the only English regiment to which this medal was granted.

THE CAMPAIGN IN SCINDE.

The withdrawal of the troops from Afghanistan was regarded by the Ameer of Scinde as a sign of weakness, and they consulted how they might destroy the British power. Being feudatories of the Dooranée empire, they had been persuaded to take a bold part in what they considered the common cause. A force was consequently assembled under Major-General Sir Charles Napier, and its first employment was the destruction of the Fort of Emaun Ghur, in the desert, on the 14th. and 15th. of January, 1843.

This service was described by the Duke of Wellington in the House of Lords, “as one of the most curious military feats he had ever known to be performed, or had ever perused an account of in his life. Sir Charles Napier (added his Grace) moved his troops through the desert against hostile forces; he had his guns transported under circumstances of extreme difficulty, and in a manner the most extraordinary; and he cut off a retreat of the enemy which rendered it impossible for them ever to regain their positions.”

As Emaun Ghur could only serve as a stronghold in which the Beloochees might be able to resist British supremacy, Major-General Sir Charles Napier determined upon destroying the fortress. It was a place of great strength, and was constructed of unburnt bricks, into which the shot easily penetrates, but brings nothing down, so that recourse was had to mining. The place was full of gunpowder and grain, and the former was employed in blowing up the fortress, which was effected on the 15th. of January. The 22nd. was the only Queen’s regiment employed in this service, three hundred and fifty of that corps having been carried on camels.

After this difficult and harassing service, the troops returned on the 23rd. of January to Peer-Abu-Bekr, without the loss of a man, or without even a sick soldier, and the Ameer’s plan of campaign was frustrated.

On the 14th. of February a treaty of peace was signed by these chiefs, and directions were sent by them to the British political resident, Major Outram, to quit Hyderabad, the capital; but before this was complied with, eight thousand Beloochees, commanded by several Ameers in person, attempted to force an entrance into the enclosure of the British residency. After a sharp contest of four hours, the assailants were repulsed by a small force under Captain Conway, aided by the fire of a British steamer lying in the river; but the position being untenable was abandoned, and the resident with his escort arrived safely in the camp of Sir Charles Napier.

BATTLE OF MEEANEE.
17TH. FEBRUARY, 1843.

Having thus commenced hostilities, the Ameers assembled a numerous force to destroy the few British troops in the country. Sir Charles Napier, trusting to the valour of the force under his orders, advanced to meet the enemy. On the 17th. of February, twenty-two thousand Scindian troops were discovered encamped at Meeanee. The position of the enemy had been chosen with great skill, and they were immensely superior in numbers. Both their flanks were covered by thick woods, and their front was protected by the dry bed and steep banks of the Fulailee river. The British, mustering two thousand eight hundred men, advanced in echelon of regiments to attack their numerous opponents, and the 22nd., commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel (now Lieutenant-General Sir John) Pennefather, led the attack. As soon as the British forces came within range, a battery of fifteen guns opened upon them, a numerous body of Beloochees discharged their matchlocks and pistols at the 22nd., and then rushed forward sword in hand to close upon the British line; but these bold and skilful swordsmen went down under the superior power of the musket and bayonet.[109]

In the stirring words of General W. F. P. Napier—the Beloochees—“Guarding their heads with their large dark shields, they shook their sharp swords beaming in the sun, their shouts rolling like a peal of thunder, as with frantic gestures, they dashed forward with demoniac strength and ferocity, full against the front of the 22nd. But with shouts as loud, and shrieks as wild and fierce as theirs, and hearts as big, and arms as strong, the Irish soldiers met them with the queen of weapons—the musket, and sent their foremost masses rolling back in blood. These wild warriors continually advanced, sword and shield in hand, striving in all the fierceness of their valour, to break into the opposing ranks; no fire of small arms, no thrusts of bayonets, no sweeping discharges of grape from the guns—could drive the gallant soldiers back. They gave their breasts to the shot, they leaped upon the guns by twenties at a time; their dead went down the steep slope by hundreds; but the gaps in their masses were continually filled up from the rear; the survivors of the front rank still pressed forward with unabated fury, and the bayonet and the sword clashed in full and frequent conflict.”

After a severe contest of three hours the Scindian army was defeated, and, on the day following the victory, six of the Ameers delivered their swords to the British General upon the field of battle. The Beloochees lost five thousand men, and all their guns, ammunition, and treasure were taken, together with their camp and standards.

In the Notification of the Right Honourable Lord Ellenborough, the Governor-General of India, it was directed, “That the unserviceable guns, taken at Hyderabad, shall be sent to Bombay, and there cast into a triumphal column, whereon shall be inscribed in the English, and two native languages, the names of Major-General Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., and of the several officers mentioned by His Excellency in his despatch, and likewise the names of the several officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates mentioned in the reports, that thus the names may be for ever recorded of those who, at Meeanee, obtained for themselves that glory in the field, which is the reward dearest to a true soldier.” Sir Charles Napier set the example, which has since been more or less followed, in naming the non-commissioned officers and men who had specially distinguished themselves.[110]

The loss of the 22nd. regiment was Captain J. Mc Leod Tew, one sergeant, and twenty-two rank and file killed; Lieutenant-Colonel Pennefather, Captain T. S. Conway, Lieutenants W. M. G. Mc Murdo and F. P. Harding, Ensigns R. Pennefather and H. Bowden, one sergeant, one corporal, and fifty privates wounded.

BATTLE OF HYDERABAD.
24TH. MARCH, 1843.

The whole of the Ameers did not submit, and the chiefs who continued to resist assembled an army, which was commanded by Meer Shere Mahomed. The British advanced from Hyderabad at daybreak on the morning of the 24th. of March, and about half-past eight o’clock twenty thousand Scindian troops were discovered in order of battle behind a nullah. Arrangements were immediately made for commencing the action, and the 22nd. regiment led the attack. Major Poole commanded the brigade, and Captain F. D. George the regiment, which advanced steadily against the enemy’s left, exposed to a heavy fire of matchlocks, without returning a shot until arriving within forty paces of the entrenchment, when it stormed the position occupied by the Beloochees. Lieutenant Coote first mounted the rampart, seized one of the enemy’s standards, and was severely wounded while in the act of waving it and cheering on his men; Lieutenant Powell seized another, and the gallant example of the officers stimulated the men to similar deeds. Privates J. Doherty, C. Lynar, E. Jobin, J. Mc Cartin, J. Walmsley, G. Roberts, E. Watson, and J. Oakley shot the defenders, and then captured fourteen standards, making five of their opponents prisoners. Privates S. Cowen, S. Alder, and G. Banbury also captured colours; and Corporal Tim. Kelly shot one of the Scindians, taking from him a silver-knobbed standard. The Beloochee infantry and artillery fought well, but were unable, although greatly superior in numbers, to resist the determined attack of disciplined soldiers.

The Second Jellalabad Medal.

The Maharajpoor Star.
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Major-General Sir Charles Napier stated in his public despatch, “The battle was decided by the troop of Horse Artillery, and Her Majesty’s 22nd. regiment.”[111]

The loss of the enemy was very great, and eleven pieces of cannon were taken in position on the nullah, together with seventeen standards. The Beloochee force was completely defeated, and their commander, Meer Shere Mahomed, fled to the desert.[112] Among the killed was the great promoter of the war, Hoche Mahomed Seedee. Twenty-three rank and file of the 22nd. regiment were killed on this occasion; Lieutenants Chute, Coote, Evans, and Brennan, Ensign Richard Pennefather, six sergeants, one drummer, four corporals, and one hundred and twenty-three privates were wounded. At the battle of Hyderabad the regiment mustered only five hundred and sixty-two rank and file; the remainder, being sick and convalescent, having been left at Sukkur, in Upper Scinde.

These successes gained for the troops the high honour of the thanks of Parliament, and the Order of the Bath for several of the officers.

THE STAR FOR MAHARJPOOR AND PUNNIAR.
1843.

The Government of India, as a mark of their distinguished merit, presented to every officer and soldier engaged in these battles, a bronze star of six points, made from the captured guns, faced with a smaller star of silver. Both stars are similar, the only difference being that one has “Maharajpoor” on the silver face, the other “Punniar,” the date being the same—“December 29th., 1843.” They were permitted to be worn by the Queen’s regiments. The star was originally issued with a brass hook to fasten it to the breast of the wearer’s coat, but eventually it was worn with the “rainbow ribbon.”

BATTLES OF MAHARAJPOOR AND PUNNIAR.
29TH. DECEMBER, 1843.

A force named the “Army of Exercise” was assembled at Agra, in November, 1843, in consequence of affairs in the state of Gwalior, which had for some time required the attention of the Indian Government, although it was not anticipated that actual hostilities would take place. The events which led to the collision between the Anglo-Indian troops and those of the once powerful Mahratta kingdom, are as follow:—Upon the decease of Maharajah Thunkojee Rao Scindiah, the British Government promptly acknowledged as his successor the Maharajah Tyajee Rao Scindiah, who was nearest in blood to the late sovereign of Gwalior, and whose adoption by the Maharanee, his Highness’s widow, was approved by the chiefs. During the minority of the Maharajah, the office of regent was to be held by Mama Sahib. In a short time the regent was compelled by force to quit the Gwalior state, and the Dada Khasgee Walla succeeded to the confidence of the Maharanee without possessing generally that of the chiefs, and by his influence various acts were committed insulting and injurious to the British Government. The delivery of the Dada being peremptorily insisted upon as a necessary preliminary to the re-establishment of the customary relations with the Gwalior state, the Maharanee at length complied with the request, and the Governor-General, in order to give friendly support to the youthful Maharajah, directed the immediate advance of forces sufficient for the purpose. The Anglo-Indian troops entered the dominions of Scindiah, and a strong government having been established at Gwalior, they received orders to withdraw; but were not destined to return to their own territory without a severe conflict. Negotiations appeared proceeding to an amicable issue, but the design of the enemy to gain time to concentrate his forces became at length so evident, that active measures of hostility were determined upon. The British army left Agra, between the 12th. and 18th. of December, under the command of Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, who was accompanied by the Governor-General, Lord Ellenborough, in person.

The main division crossed the Koharee river early in the morning of the 29th. of December, and found the Mahratta forces drawn up in front of the village of Maharajpoor, in a very strong position, which they had occupied during the night, and which they had carefully entrenched. The British were about fourteen thousand strong, with forty pieces of artillery, while the enemy mustered eighteen thousand men, including three thousand cavalry, with a hundred guns. Notwithstanding the extreme difficulty of the country, intersected by deep and almost impassable ravines, the whole of the Anglo-Indian troops were in their appointed positions by eight o’clock in the morning of the 29th. of December. The action commenced by the advance of Major-General Littler’s column, which was exactly in front of Maharajpoor; whilst Major-General Valiant’s brigade took it in reverse, both being supported by Major-General Dennis’s column, and the two light field batteries.

Her Majesty’s 16th. Lancers, and the 39th. and 40th. regiments highly distinguished themselves. The 30th., forming part of Brigadier Wright’s brigade with the 56th. Native Infantry attacked with such vigour that they stormed the enemy’s batteries and bayoneted the gunners at their posts. But the Mahrattas rallied in the village, and after firing their Matchlocks threw them away, and fought sword in hand with the most determined bravery. In the meantime General Valiant’s brigade had taken Maharajpoor in reverse, and by this combined movement twenty-eight guns were captured, but the Mahratta position was not taken till nearly all its defenders had been slain on the spot.

A small work of four guns on the left of the entrenched main position of Chonda was long and obstinately defended, but subsequently carried; and the guns captured by the grenadiers of the 39th., under Captain Campbell, admirably supported by a wing of the 56th. Native Infantry, under Major Philips.

Not less distinguished was the conduct of the 40th.; this regiment in the attack on the enemy’s entrenched positions, had two successive commanding officers, Major Stopford[113] and Captain Coddington, wounded at the very muzzles of the guns. Two regimental standards were captured by the 39th., and four by the 40th. regiment. Major-General Valiant was also wounded.

Major-General Churchill, C.B., Quarter-Master General of Her Majesty’s forces in India, and Captain Somerset of the Grenadier Guards, Military Secretary to Lord Ellenborough, both received several wounds in personal rencontres. The former died after amputation of the leg. Major Henry Havelock, C.B., of the 13th. Light Infantry, Persian interpreter, served on Sir Hugh Gough’s personal staff.

Brigadier Cureton’s brigade of cavalry, of which the 16th. Lancers (under Lieutenant-Colonel Macdowell) formed part, took advantage of every opportunity, manœuvring most judiciously on the right, and had it not been for an impassable ravine, would have cut off the retreat of the whole,. The cavalry division was under the orders of Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, K.C.B.

In this action fifty-six guns, and the whole of the enemy’s ammunition waggons were captured.

Major-General Grey, who had been directed to push on with the left wing as rapidly as practicable to Punniar, twelve miles south-west of Gwalior, gained also a complete victory on the same day as the battle of Maharajpoor was fought, namely, the 29th. of December.

About four o’clock in the afternoon the enemy was observed to have taken up a strong position on a chain of lofty hills, four miles eastward of the camp. The Major-General determined immediately to attack him, and the 3rd. Buffs, with a company of sappers and miners, were detached to occupy a position on an opposite ridge, followed afterwards to the right by five companies of the 39th. Native Infantry, until the troops, amounting to two thousand and seven men, could be brought up, and an attack made upon the enemy’s left flank and centre. Owing to the lateness of the day, it was some time before this force could be supported. The Buffs, under Lieutenant-Colonel Clunie, and the sappers attacked the centre, exposed to a galling fire from the guns, and gallantly carried every position, driving the enemy from height to height, and capturing eleven of his guns, with a standard. The second infantry brigade under Acting-Brigadier Anderson, of the 50th., arrived in time to put a finish to the action; forming on the crest of the hill, he, by a gallant and judicious movement, attacked the enemy’s left, and completely defeated him, taking the remainder of his guns. Major Petit commanded the 50th., and distinguished himself by the charge he made down the hill at the head of that regiment. The 50th. Native Infantry shared in the above movement. Major White commanded the latter, and took the second infantry brigade out of action upon Brigadier Anderson being wounded.

A portion of the first cavalry brigade, under Brigadier Campbell of the 9th. Lancers, accompanied the force as far as the ground would admit, but no opportunity was afforded for actively employing them. General Grey at once affected a junction with Sir H. Gough under the walls of Givalin, which capital they occupied unopposed, and the Maharatta army was disbanded.

These victories were not gained without severe loss,[114] owing to the enemy’s force greatly exceeding the British, particularly in artillery, and to the commanding position of his guns, which were well served and resolutely defended both by gunners and infantry; the peculiar difficulties of the country gave also additional advantages to the gallantry of the Mahratta troops, whose casualties were exceedingly heavy.

The regiments engaged at Maharajpoor, were the 16th. Lancers, 39th. and 40th. Foot. Bengal Artillery and Sappers, 1st., 4th., and 10th. Native Cavalry, 2nd. Skinner’s Horse, and the 14th., 16th., 31st., 43rd., and 56th. Native Infantry. At Punniar; the troops engaged were the 9th. Lancers; the 3rd. and 50th. Foot; the 8th. Bengal Irregular Cavalry, a company of Sappers, and five companies of the 39th. and 50th. Native Infantry.

THE SUTLEJ AND PUNJAUB MEDALS, FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND SIKH WARS.
1845–6 AND 1848–9.

For the first Sikh War, or Sutlej Campaign, four Silver Medals were issued, for the four battles of “Moodkee, 1845;” “Ferozeshuhur, 1845;” “Aliwal, 1846;” “Sobraon, 1846.” By a general order, if a soldier was present at only one of these battles of the Campaign, he received the medal with the name of the battle inscribed on the reverse; but if he had been engaged in more battles than one, he received for each battle an additional clasp. The medal was designed by W. Wyon, and is considered a beautiful example of art. Obverse: The diademed head of the Queen, with the legend “Victoria Regina.” Reverse: A figure of Victory standing, with a laurel wreath in her right hand, and a palm branch in her left, at her feet a trophy of Sikh arms. Above is the inscription “Army of the Sutlej”; and in the exergue, the name and date of the battle for which the medal was given. Clasps for “Ferozeshuhur,” “Aliwal,” “Sobraon.” The 31st. and 50th. were the only European regiments that received the medal with _three clasps_ for the four battles. Ribbon—dark blue with crimson edges.

The Sutlej Medal.
]

The Punjaub Medal.
]

By a general order, dated Ferozepore, April 2nd., 1849, a medal (silver) was granted for the Punjaub Campaign, second Sikh War, 1848–9. Obverse: same as the Sutlej Medal. Reverse: Lord Gough on horseback, the Sikh army laying down their arms before him, the British army in line with colours flying, in the background palm-trees. The superscription is “To the army of the Punjaub,” and in the exergue the date, MDCCCXLIX. Three clasps were issued for “Mooltan,” “Chillianwala,” and “Goojerat.” Ribbon—dark blue, with narrow stripes of yellow at the edges. The medal, without a clasp, was given to the officers and men of the Indus Flotilla who took part in the Campaign, and a Naval Brigade of about one hundred men, received the medal, with a clasp, for Mooltan. Two clasps were the greatest number worn with any medal.

THE SUTLEJ CAMPAIGN.
1845–1846.

The Sikh army which had been formed by Runjeet Singh, and trained by French and Italian refugees in his service, according to European tactics, had, since the decease of that politic ruler in 1839, become the dominant power, and finally coerced, or induced the Lahore authorities to commence hostilities. The Maharajah was an infant, his advisers powerless; but the soldiers, who styled themselves the “Punth Khalsajee,” or true believers, accustomed to conquest, and elated by success, were eager for a contest with the English, whom they were confident of expelling from Hindostan. Accordingly the Sikh army, having crossed the Sutlej on the 11th. December, 1845, invested Ferozepore on one side, and took up an entrenched position at the village of Ferozeshah, about ten miles in advance of Ferozepore, and nearly the same distance from Moodkee, the enemy placing in this camp one hundred and eight pieces of cannon, with a force exceeding fifty thousand men. Sir Henry Hardinge, the Governor-General of India, had for some time been aware of the intentions of the Sikhs, and so far from being unprepared to meet and repel an invasion, before he had been three months in India, large bodies of troops were marching from different points towards the North West Frontier, to reinforce the army of observation on the Sutlej. At the beginning of December, 1845, there were 10,472 men and 24 guns at Ferozepore, 7235 men with 12 guns at Loodiana, and nearly 13,000 men with 70 guns at Umballa; in all, nearly 31,000 men and 70 guns, under the command of Sir Hugh Gough.

The Sikhs remained inactive in the vicinity of Ferozepore for some days, which may be regarded as a providential circumstance, as instead of annihilating Major-General Sir John Littler’s weak divisions, they contented themselves with stopping the dâks, and plundering the country, until the 17th. of December, when they marched to intercept the approach of the “Army of the Sutlej,” then advancing to the relief of Ferozepore from Umballa, under Sir Hugh Gough, with whom was the Governor-General.

BATTLE OF MOODKEE.
18TH. DECEMBER, 1845.

After a harassing march of one hundred and fifty miles, along roads of heavy sand, the troops arrived at Moodkee, on the 18th. of December, having endured every kind of privation; the incessant labour required of them admitting scarcely an hour’s uninterrupted repose before being called upon for renewed exertions. About three o’clock in the afternoon, the army, suffering severely from the want of water, and in a state of great exhaustion, received intelligence of the advance of the Sikhs on Moodkee, and the troops had scarcely time to get under arms, and to move to their positions, before the information was confirmed. The horse artillery and cavalry were immediately pushed forward, the infantry and field batteries moving in support. Two miles were scarcely passed, when the enemy, consisting of about twenty thousand infantry, and an equal number of cavalry, with forty guns, under Lal Singh, were discovered in position, which they had either just taken up, or were advancing in order of battle. The country at this spot was a dead flat, dotted with sandy hillocks, and covered at short intervals with a low thick jungle, forming an excellent screen for the infantry and guns of the enemy, from which they opened a severe cannonade upon the advancing troops, which was vigorously replied to by the horse artillery under Brigadier Brooke. After the manœuvres of the cavalry on the left and right flanks of their opponents, the infantry commenced their participation in the fight, and advancing under Major-Generals Sir Harry Smith, Walter Gilbert, and Sir John Mc Caskill, attacked in _echelon_ of lines the Sikh infantry, the wood and approaching darkness of night rendering them almost invisible. The great superiority of numbers of the enemy necessarily caused their extended line to outflank the British, but the movements of the cavalry counteracted this advantage. Desperate was the opposition experienced, but the roll of fire from the infantry soon convinced the Sikhs of the inutility of resistance; their whole force was driven from position to position with great slaughter at the point of the bayonet; night only saved them from further disaster, this stout conflict being maintained for an hour and a half of dim starlight, objects being rendered still more obscure from the clouds of dust which arose from the sandy plain. Lal Singh, the Sikh commander, was wounded, and narrowly escaped being taken prisoner. Darkness alone prevented the pursuit of the foe; and the force bivouacked on the field for some hours; returning to their encampment, when it was ascertained that they had no foe before them, as the enemy fled to their camp at Ferozeshuhur.

In this manner was achieved the first of a series of victories over the Sikh troops; troops that had fought with the British army only three years previously, in the advance on Cabool, and had been thanked in general orders for their services, sustaining as they did, at the forcing of the Khyber Pass, a loss equal to that of the Anglo-Indian force; it appears therefore but reasonable to infer, that much of the skill evinced by them in the disposition and arrangement of their army may be in some degree attributed to the experience they gained by their co-operation in the Afghan campaign; proving themselves unquestionably at Moodkee, and in the succeeding conflicts, one of the best disciplined and most powerful antagonists the British had ever encountered in India.

This victory was not gained without considerable loss; several gallant officers fell and two hundred men, amongst them the hero of Afghanistan, Major-General Sir Robert Sale, who, towards the conclusion of the action, had his thigh shattered with a grape shot, from the effects of which he died. Major-General Sir John McCaskill, K.C.B., who had served with the 9th. Foot in that country, was also amongst the slain.

The troops engaged at Moodkee were the 3rd. Light Dragoons, 9th., 31st., 50th., and 80th. Foot, Skinner’s Horse, 8th. Bengal Irregular Cavalry, and the 5th., 7th., and 26th. Bengal Infantry.

BATTLE OF FEROZESHAH OR FEROZESHUHUR.
21ST. AND 22ND. DECEMBER, 1845.

On the 19th. of December the army was concentrated at Moodkee, no further operations taking place until the 21st., when it moved by its left on Ferozepore; and having on the march been reinforced by Major-General Sir John Littler’s division of five thousand men from that place, General Sir Hugh Gough formed his forces in order of battle. It was then resolved to attack the enemy’s entrenched camp at Ferozeshah, or Ferozeshuhur, where they were posted in great force, and had a most formidable artillery; their camp was a parallelogram, about a mile in length, and half that distance in breadth, including within its area the village of Ferozeshuhur, the shorter sides looking towards the Sutlej and Moodkee, and the longer towards Ferozepore, and the open country. The plains, as at Moodkee, were covered with low jhow jungle; this added to the difficulty of the advance, which was made in four divisions; the left wing under the direction of the Governor-General, (Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Hardinge,) who had volunteered his services as second in command. The force of the Sikhs was about 35,000 men, two-thirds of whom were regular troops, with ninety-eight guns, and another army of 23,000 regulars and sixty-seven guns, under Tej Singh, was only ten miles distant. Upwards of one hundred guns of the enemy, nearly one half of battering calibre, opened a heavy cannonade, which was checked, but not silenced, by the far less numerous artillery of the assailants.[115] In spite of this storm of shot and shell, the infantry gallantly advanced, and boldly carried the formidable entrenchments, throwing themselves upon the guns, and wresting them from the enemy. These exertions, however, only partially gained the batteries, and the soldiery had to face so hot a fire from the Sikhs from behind their guns, that the most heroic efforts could only succeed in carrying a portion of the entrenchment. Darkness did not bring a total cessation of hostilities, for about the middle of the night the Sikhs caused one of their heavy guns to bear upon that part of the field gained, and on which the troops had bivouacked. The gun was soon captured by the 80th. regiment;[116] but the enemy, whenever moonlight revealed the position, still continued to harass the troops by the fire of their artillery.

At length the long night wore away, and with daylight of the 22nd. of December came retribution. The infantry formed into line, supported on both flanks by horse artillery, whilst a fire was opened from the centre, aided by a flight of rockets. Here a masked battery played with great effect, dismounting the pieces and blowing up the tumbrils of the British, but at this juncture Sir Henry Hardinge placed himself at the head of the left wing, the right being led by Sir Hugh Gough. Unchecked by the opposing fire, the line advanced, and drove the foe rapidly out of the village of Ferozeshah, and the encampment; then changing front to the left, continued to sweep the camp, bearing down all opposition. Eventually the Sikhs were dislodged from their whole position. The line now halted, and the two brave leaders rode along its front, amid the cheering of the soldiers and the waving of the captured standards of the Khalsa army. Seventy-three pieces of cannon were also captured.

The British, masters of the entire field, now assumed a position on the ground they had so nobly won; but their labours were not ended, for in less than two hours Sirdar Tej Singh brought up from the vicinity of Ferozepore fresh battalions, and a large field of artillery, supported by thirty thousand Ghorechurras, previously encamped near the river. Driving in the cavalry parties, he made strenuous efforts to regain the position at Ferozeshah; this attempt was defeated; but the Sirdar renewing the contest with fresh troops, and a large artillery, commenced the attack by a combination against the left flank; and after being frustrated in this attempt, essayed such a demonstration against the captured village, as compelled the British to change the whole front to the right. Meanwhile an incessant fire was maintained by the foe without being answered by a single shot, the artillery ammunition being completely expended in these protracted encounters. The almost exhausted cavalry were now directed to threaten both flanks at once, the infantry preparing to advance in support; this soon caused the Sikhs to discontinue firing, and to abandon the field, precipitately retreating towards the Sutlej, large stores of grain and _matériel_ of war being abandoned by the enemy.[117]

It is not surprising that the British casualties were numerous; the total loss being six hundred and ninety-four killed, and one thousand seven hundred and twenty-one wounded. The entire staff of the Governor-General was killed or wounded, except his son, Captain Hardinge, who had his horse shot under him. Within thirty hours an entrenched camp had been stormed, a general action fought, and two considerable conflicts sustained with the enemy. Thus in less than four days, sixty thousand Sikh soldiers, supported by upwards of one hundred and fifty pieces of cannon, were dislodged from their position, and received a just retribution for their treacherous proceedings, without provocation or declaration of hostilities.

The 3rd. Light Dragoons, 9th., 29th., 31st., 50th., 62nd., and 80th. Foot; the 2nd. Skinner’s Horse, 8th. Bengal Irregular Cavalry, Bengal Sappers and Miners, Royal Bengal Fusiliers; 4th., 5th., and 7th. Bengal Infantry, took part in the battle of Ferozeshuhur. In the official despatch there were no regiments particularized, for all were equally exposed during this protracted conflict.[118]

BATTLE OF ALIWAL.
28TH. JANUARY, 1846.

On the 16th. of January, 1846, the first brigade, with a few guns and some native cavalry, received sudden orders to march on the following morning in the direction of Loodiana, under the command of Major-General Sir Harry Smith. By a forced, march on the 17th., the fort of Dhurrumkote was surprised, and the garrison, consisting of about three hundred men, laid down their arms, and were sent prisoners to head-quarters. On the 20th. of the same month this division was reinforced near the fort of Jugraon by the 16th. Lancers, the 53rd. Foot, a detachment of recruits of the Queen’s regiments, and a troop of horse artillery. The Major-General decided on attempting the relief of Loodiana, which was but slightly garrisoned, and was threatened by a large body of the enemy. The troops commenced their march about one o’clock in the morning of the 21st.; about eleven the enemy was observed to be drawn up, parallel with the British line of march, in a strong position at Buddiwal, his front covered by a ridge of low sand-hills, bristling with forty pieces of artillery, which were so placed that it was necessary, in order to gain Loodiana, either to risk a battle to dislodge him from a strong position,—which, with troops fatigued by a long march, under a burning sun, and greatly inferior in numbers, would have been a hazardous proceeding,—or to proceed along the entire front of his position under a galling fire.

Having a just confidence in the steadiness of his troops, Sir Harry Smith chose the latter course. The infantry, formed in open column of companies right in front (the grenadier company of the 31st. leading,) and ready at any moment to form line, preceded by the artillery, and covered by the cavalry, marched at a distance of five hundred yards, along the front of this formidable line, receiving the fire of each battery as it bore upon them. The Sikh position being passed, and the enemy declining to follow, by three o’clock in the afternoon the troops arrived at Loodiana, thus effecting the desired object.

On the 22nd. and 23rd. the soldiers were permitted to rest themselves after their late fatigue, and on the 24th. the enemy retired to Aliwal, a village on the Sutlej. The British moved to the ground lately occupied by them at Buddiwal, where they were reinforced by the second brigade of Sir Harry Smith’s division, consisting of the 50th. Foot and 48th. Native Infantry, with some cavalry and infantry from Loodiana.

At daylight on the 28th. Sir Harry Smith marched with his whole force to attack the Sirdar Runjoor Singh and the Rajah of Ladwa in their camps at Aliwal, the enemy being drawn up in line of battle with his left resting on the village, numbering about fifteen thousand men, with fifty-six guns. From information afterwards received, it appeared that the Sikhs were about to march upon Jugraon that very morning, for the purpose of getting between Sir Harry Smith’s force and the heavy guns coming up from Delhi under a very slender escort. The march having been previously conducted in columns of brigades at deploying distance, each brigade deployed on its leading company, and thus formed one long line. Abour ten o’clock in the morning the action commenced by a heavy cannonade from the Sikh artillery, which was principally directed on the British centre. The village of Aliwal was filled with infantry, supported by cavalry in the rear, and further defended by two guns on its left.

“The enemy,” says Sir Harry Smith, “fought with much resolution, and maintained frequent encounters with our cavalry hand to hand. In one charge of infantry upon the 16th. Lancers, they threw away their muskets, and came on with their swords and targets against the lance.” But all their bravery was fruitless. The village was carried, and the two guns were captured,[119] but the line being in consequence somewhat disarranged, it was quickly re-formed, and advanced in excellent order, overcoming all opposition. The attack of the enemy by the left wing was equally successful; the line advanced, making a steady and successful charge, and the Sikhs, being beaten in every quarter, fled towards the river in the utmost confusion, leaving their camp, baggage, and stores, with fifty-two pieces of artillery, as trophies in the hands of the victors.

The regiments engaged in this battle were the 16th. Lancers, 31st., 50th., and 53rd. Foot, 3rd. Skinner’s Horse, 1st. and 2nd. Ghoorkas, and 7th. and 13th. Bengal Infantry.

BATTLE OF SOBRAON.
10TH. FEBRUARY, 1846.

Although the intelligence of the victory of Aliwal, and the sight of the numerous bodies which floated from the vicinity of that battle-field to the bridge of boats at Sobraon, apparently disheartened the enemy, and caused many of them to return to their homes, yet in a few days they appeared as confident as ever of being able in their entrenched position, to defy the Anglo-Indian army, and to prevent the passage of the Sutlej.

The heavy ordnance having arrived on the 8th. of February, the day on which the forces under Major-General Sir Harry Smith rejoined the main body of the army, it was determined at once to storm their entrenchments, and finally drive them out of Hindoostan. This was no ordinary undertaking, as, from observations made during the time the head-quarters of the army were stationed at the village of Nihalkee, it was ascertained that the position at Sobraon was covered with formidable entrenchments, and defended by thirty thousand of the _élite_ of the Khalsa troops; besides being united by a good bridge to a reserve on the opposite bank of the river, on which was stationed a considerable camp, with artillery, which commanded and flanked the Sikh field-works on the British side of the Sutlej.

About daybreak on the 10th. of February, the mortars, battering guns, and field artillery were disposed on the alluvial land, embracing within their fire the enemy’s works. As soon as the sun’s rays cleared the heavy mist which hung over the plain, the cannonade commenced; but notwithstanding the admirable manner in which the guns were served, it would have been visionary to expect that they could, within any limited time, silence the fire of seventy pieces of artillery behind well-constructed batteries, or dislodge troops so strongly entrenched. It soon therefore became evident that musketry and the bayonet must ultimately decide the contest.

The British infantry, formed on the extreme left of the line, then advanced to the assault, and in spite of every impediment, cleared the entrenchments, and entered the enemy’s camp. Her Majesty’s 10th., 53rd., and 80th. regiments, with the 33rd., 43rd., 59th., and 63rd. Native Infantry, moving at a firm and steady pace, never fired a shot till they had passed the barriers opposed to them, to which was attributed the success of their first effort, and the small loss sustained by them. When checked by the formidable obstacles and superior numbers to which the attacking division was exposed, the second division, under Major-General Gilbert, afforded the most opportune assistance by advancing to the attack of the Sikh batteries, entering the fortified position after a severe struggle, and sweeping through the interior of the camp. A very severe loss was inflicted by this division upon the retreating enemy. The same gallant efforts, attended by similar results, distinguished the attack of the enemy’s left by the first division, under Major-General Sir Harry Smith, in which the troops nobly sustained their former reputation.[120]

Fighting with the energy of desperation, the Sikhs even when some of their entrenchments were mastered with the bayonet, endeavoured to recover with the sword the positions they had lost. The cavalry under General Sir Joseph Thackwell, rode through the openings made by the sappers, in single file, and re-forming as they passed them, galloped on and cut down the Sikh artillerymen at their guns. But it was not until the weight of all three divisions of infantry, in addition to several regiments of cavalry, and the fire of every piece of field artillery that could be sent to their aid, had been felt, that the enemy gave way. The Sikh regiments retreated at first in tolerable order, but the incessant volleys soon caused them to seek safety in a rapid flight. Masses of them precipitated themselves on their bridge, which, being broken by the heavy fire, was incapable to sustain the multitudes pressing forward; the sudden rise too of the Sutlej rendered the ford almost impassable, adding another obstacle to their escape. A dreadful carnage ensued. The stream was red with the blood of men and horses, the bridge in many places had given way, and it is considered that at least a third of the Sikh army perished in this battle; sixty-seven of their guns were captured, together with two hundred camel-swivels (zumbroorucks,)[121] numerous standards, and vast munitions of war.

In this manner ended the battle of Sobraon; at six in the morning it commenced; at nine it became a hand to hand conflict; and by eleven it was gained. Major-General Sir Robert Dick, K.C.B., the former leader of the 42nd. Royal Highlanders in Spain, fell at the moment of victory; Brigadier Taylor, C.B., the beloved commanding officer of the second division, was also killed. In these several battles the British loss amounted to six thousand two hundred and seventy-two officers and men killed and wounded.

Of the Queen’s regiments, besides those already mentioned, the 31st. and 50th. were described in orders as having greatly distinguished themselves. The gallant conduct of the 9th., 29th., and 62nd. regiments, was also specially noticed, and the cavalry were not forgotten.[122] The 3rd. Light Dragoons and the 10th. especially distinguished themselves.

The following regiments were present at this decisive victory, namely,—3rd. Light Dragoons; 9th., and 16th. Lancers, 9th., 10th., 29th., 31st., 50th., 53rd., 62nd., and 80th. Foot; their conduct and that of the officers received the thanks of Parliament, the 1st. Bengal Europeans; 4th. 5th., 6th., 7th., 8th., 9th., and 26th. Bengal Native Infantry, and 1st., and 2nd. Goorkhas.

Ten days after the battle of Sobraon the British arrived before Lahore. So complete was the discomfiture of the Sikhs, that no further opposition was experienced: and on the 22nd. of February a brigade of troops took formal possession of the palace and citadel of Lahore. A treaty was signed on the 7th. of March, which, while it evinced the moderation and justice of the paramount power of India, appeared calculated to secure the frontier against similar acts of aggression.

THE PUNJAB CAMPAIGN. SIEGE OF MOOLTAN.

7TH. SEPTEMBER, 1848, TO 2ND. JANUARY, 1849.

Major-General Sir John Littler had been selected to command the garrison of about ten thousand men which had been left at Lahore, to protect the chief sirdars from their own turbulent countrymen, while re-constructing the government, with Sir Henry Lawrence as political Resident, and everything appeared to be progressing in a satisfactory manner, when, in 1848, Moolraj, the Dewan of Mooltan, having apparently agreed to the arrangement for appointing Sirdar Khan Singh his successor as governor of that town, Mr. Vans Agnew, of the Civil Service, and Lieutenant Anderson, of the Bombay Army, who had been sent to Mooltan to install Khan Singh were treacherously attacked and murdered. This was followed by a general outbreak at Lahore, and endeavours were made to expel the British from the Punjab. In this capital Maharaj Singh, a Gooroo or priest, raising the standard of rebellion, soon collected a numerous body of the disbanded Sikhs, and thus prevented the British troops at Lahore from marching against Mooltan, which was occupied by the enemy at the commencement of hostilities.

It was at this juncture that Lieutenant Edwardes[123] accomplished that for which he gained such just renown. By his gallantry and judicious skill he not only raised forces, but exerted so strong an influence that he succeeded in holding Moolraj in check until succours could be afforded; and having united his troops with those of Colonel Cortlandt, several successful encounters took place with the insurgents. On June 18th., Edwardes and Cortlandt with troops consisting chiefly of Sikhs and Mohammedans, after an action of 9 hours defeated the army of Moolraj at Kineyree, with great loss of men and baggage; six guns also were taken. In July they again attacked Moolraj, who with an army of eleven thousand men had taken up a strong position at the village of Suddoosam, and after a fierce fight of six hours drove him to seek shelter within the walls of Mooltan. Major-General Whish arrived from Lahore on the 18th. of August, 1848, with a force of which Her Majesty’s 10th. Foot formed part, and on the next day was joined by a column from Ferozepore, with which was the Queen’s 32nd. regiment. The village of Ramteerut was taken possession of on the 7th. of September, and the working parties having made good progress, it was resolved to attack the outworks on the 12th. of that month, when Shere Singh deserted with five thousand Sikhs to the enemy. This defection made it necessary to raise the siege on the 15th. of that month, and a position was taken up some miles distant.

Meanwhile Lord Gough was marching into the Punjab, and the advance force, under Brigadier-General Campbell, C.B., (afterwards Lord Clyde,) was engaged at Ramnuggur on the 22nd. of November, 1848. Here the gallant Brigadier-General Cureton, C.B., commanding the cavalry division, (the flaxen haired boy of the Peninsula,) and Lieutenant-Colonel William Havelock, K.H., were killed. The brilliant charges of the 3rd. and 14th. Light Dragoons, and of the 5th. and 8th. regiments of Light Cavalry, against the enemy’s horsemen, numbering between three and four thousand men, was specially noticed in general orders.

This engagement was followed by the action of Sadoolapoor, on Sunday, the 3rd. of December, 1848, by the troops under Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, K.C.B., in which the 3rd. Light Dragoons, and the 24th. and 61st. regiments shared. The enemy’s loss was severe, but the British casualties were comparatively small, amounting to only seventy-three killed and wounded.

A gallant and successful attack was made with little loss, on a strong position of the enemy on the eastern side of the Grand Canal, by the troops under Brigadier-General F. Markham, on the morning of the 7th. of November.[124] This is known as the action of Sooroojkhund, in which the 10th. and 32nd. regiments shared, (the latter being commanded by Major Inglis, afterwards the heroic defender of Lucknow,) when the enemy’s strongly entrenched position was carried, and four of his guns captured without firing a shot.

While these events were occurring Major-General Whish renewed the siege of Mooltan; and having been joined on the 26th. of December by Brigadier the Honourable H. Dundas, C.B., of the 60th. Rifles, with the Bombay column, which, in addition to native corps, comprised the 60th. Royal Rifles, an attack was made on the entrenchments on the 27th. of December; and the enemy being driven from the suburbs, a position was taken up by the British within four hundred yards of the walls. The gallantry and discipline of the 60th. Rifles were specially noticed; they had Major Gordon killed, and Major Dennis wounded. Three companies of the 32nd. shared in the re-occupation of the suburbs on this occasion.

By a shell from one of the mortars on the 30th. the principal magazine, containing 400,000 lbs. of powder, in the citadel was blown up, destroying the grand musjid and several houses, and costing the lives of about eight hundred of the garrison. Nowise dismayed by this misfortune, Moolraj refused to surrender, and continued the defence, saying he had powder enough left to last him for twelvemonths; but breaches were effected during the nights of the 30th. and 31st., one near the Delhi gate, and the other near the Bohur gate. A sortie was made by the garrison on the last day of the year, but this was repulsed by Major Edwardes and Lieutenant Lake, the enemy being driven back with severe loss. The place was eventually stormed in the afternoon of the 2nd. of January, 1849.

Colour-Sergeant John Bennett, of the 1st. Bombay Fusiliers, performed a most gallant act. He planted the Union Jack in the crest of the breach, standing beside it until the troops had passed. Both colour and staff were riddled with balls. The suburbs between the Delhi gate and the left breach were occupied by pickets from the first brigade, under Major Dennin of the 60th. Rifles, a company of that regiment, under Captain Douglas, being stationed in the houses opposite the breach is, the Khoonee Boorj, to cover the advance of the storming party, and two companies, under Captains Young and Sibthorp, to perform the same office for the Bengal column.

Two practicable breaches having been made, orders were issued to storm the citadel (into which Moolraj had retired) on the 22nd.; and when the British troops were about to commence, the Sikh chief, with the whole of the garrison, surrendered.[125] Moolraj was subsequently tried for the murder of Mr. Agnew and Lieutenant Anderson, but the capital sentence was changed into imprisonment for life. This siege cost the British a loss of nearly one thousand two hundred killed and wounded. After this brilliant success, Major-General Whish proceeded with a considerable portion of his troops, to join the army immediately under the command of Lord Gough.

The 10th., 32nd., and 60th. regiments took part in these operations. These three regiments, after the fall of the place, proceeded to join the army under Lord Gough, and by forced marches succeeded in being in time to share in the final struggle at Goojerat. The Native regiments present were—the Royal Bombay Fusiliers, 5th. Bengal Cavalry, 1st. and 2nd. Scinde Horse; 3rd., 7th., 9th., and 19th. Bombay Infantry; and Bengal and Bombay Sappers and Miners.

BATTLE OF CHILIANWALA.
13TH. JANUARY, 1849.

Lord Gough having received information on the 10th. of January of the fall of the fortress of Attock, which had been defended for a lengthened period, by Major Herbert, and of the advance of Chuttur Singh, in order to unite his forces with those under his son, Shere Singh, resolved to attempt the overthrow of the Sikh army in his front; and, accordingly, at daylight on the morning of the 12th., moved on the Dingee from Loah Tibba, and thence on the following morning towards the village of Chilianwala, the army making a considerable detour to the right, partly to distract the enemy’s attention, but chiefly with the view of keeping as clear of the jungle as possible. The village was reached about noon, when a strong picket of the enemy’s cavalry and infantry was discovered on a mound close to it. This was at once dispersed, and from the elevation was obtained a very extended view of the country and of the enemy drawn out in order of battle.[126] The ground in front although not a dense was still a difficult jungle; and as the day was so far advanced, Lord Gough decided to take up a position in rear of the village.