Chapter XXII: Part 22

OWENS, Sergeant J., 49th. Foot. Sebastopol, October 30th., 1854.
Gallantry in personal encounter with the Russians, and nobly assisting
Major Connolly, Coldstream Guards.

OXENHAM, Corporal W., 32nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, June 30th., 1857.
Saving the life of Mr. Capper, Bengal Civil Service, under heavy fire.

PALMER, Private Anthony, Grenadier Guards. Inkermann, November 5th.,
1855. For his gallantry in charging singly a party of the enemy, and
saving Sir C. Russell’s life. _See_ Russell, Sir C.

PARK, Sergeant J., 77th. Foot. Alma and Inkermann, September 20th. and
November 5th., 1854, and April 19th., 1855. For distinguished bravery
at the battles of Alma and Inkermann, and gallantry at taking of
rifle-pits and at both assaults on the Redan.

PARK, Gunner J., Bengal Artillery. Indian Mutiny, November, 1857.
_See_ Lieutenant H. E. Harrington.

PARKES, Private Samuel, 4th. Light Dragoons. Balaklava, October 25th.,
1854. Defending Trumpet-Major Crawford in the retreat on two occasions
against overwhelming odds, and saving his life the first time.

PATON, Sergeant J., 93rd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, November 16th., 1857.
For conspicuous gallantry at Lucknow, in proceeding alone round the
Shah Nujiff, under fire, and discovering a breach on the opposite
side, to which he conducted his regiment, and the place was taken.
Elected by non-commissioned officers of the regiment.

PEARSON, Sergeant J., 86th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, April 3rd., 1858.
Attacking a number of armed rebels at the storming of Jhansi, killing
one and wounding two others; also bringing in a wounded private under
heavy fire, at Calpee.

PEARSON, Sergeant John, 8th. Hussars. Indian Mutiny. Gwalior, June
17th., 1858. _See_ Major C. V. Heneage.

PEEL, Captain W., Royal Navy. The Crimea, 1854–1855. On October 18th.,
1854. For his intrepidity in taking up a live shell from the midst of
several powder cases, outside a magazine, and throwing it over the
parapet (it burst as it left his hands), thereby saving the magazine
and many lives. On November 5th., 1854, at Inkermann, he joined the
officers of the Grenadier Guards in defending the colours of the
regiment. On June 18th., 1855, he volunteered to lead a ladder party
at the assault on the Redan, and carried the first ladder until he was
wounded.

PERCY, Colonel Hon. H. H. M., Grenadier Guards. Inkermann, November
5th., 1854. Charging singly into the sandbag battery and extricating
some men who had charged too far, and were surrounded by the enemy.

PERIE, Sapper J., Royal Engineers. Redan, June 18th., 1855. For
conspicuous bravery in leading the sailors with ladders, and rescuing
a wounded man under fire, although himself wounded.

PHILLIPS, Ensign E. A. L., 11th. Bengal Native Infantry. Indian
Mutiny. Would have received the Victoria Cross for many gallant deeds
during the siege of Delhi had he survived. He captured the Water
Bastion with small party of men at the assault of that city, and was
killed there on September 18th.

PICKARD, Lieutenant A. F., Royal Artillery. New Zealand, November
20th., 1863. For gallantry at the assault on Rangiriri, in crossing
and re-crossing a point exposed to a concentrated fire, to procure
water for the wounded, when no one else would perform the service.
_See_ Surgeon-Major W. Temple.

PITCHER, Captain H. W., 4th. Punjaub Infantry. Umbeyla, India, October
30th., 1863. For his bravery in leading two assaults to retake the
Crag Piquet, in the latter of which he was severely wounded. _See_
Fosbery, G. V.

PRENDERGAST, Major-General H. N. D., Madras Engineers. Indian Mutiny,
November 21st., 1857. For attempting to cut down a Velaitee who was
about to shoot Lieutenant Dew; and for gallantry in the actions at
Ratgurh and Betwa, when he was severely wounded.

PRETTYJOHN, Corporal J., Royal Marines. Inkermann, November 5th.,
1854. For placing himself in an advanced position and shooting four
Russians.

PRIDE, T., Captain of Afterguard H.M.S. “Euryalus.” Seki, Japan,
September 6th., 1864. Gallantly supporting Midshipman Boyes when
carrying the colours in action, until wounded.

PROBYN, Lieutenant-General Sir D. M., K.C.S.I., C.B., 2nd. Punjaub
Cavalry. Indian Mutiny, September, 1857. For several acts of
distinguished gallantry, amongst them capturing a standard in the
midst of a number of the enemy.

PROSSER, Private J., 1st. Foot. Sebastopol, June 16th. and August
11th., 1855. Pursuing and capturing, while exposed to two cross fires,
a soldier in act of deserting to the enemy; and assisting to bring in
a wounded man under heavy fire.

PURCELL, Private J., 9th. Lancers. Indian Mutiny, June 19th., 1857.
Assisting Brigadier Grant. _See_ Private T. Hancock.

PYE, Lieutenant C., 53rd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, November 17th., 1857.
For bringing up ammunition under fire at Lucknow, and gallantry on
every occasion. Elected by the non-commissioned officers of the
regiment.

RABY, Rear-Admiral H. J., c.b., Sebastopol, June 18th., 1855, and
Captain of Forecastle J. Taylor, and Boatswain’s mate H. Curtis. After
the assault on the Redan, carrying in a wounded soldier under heavy
fire.

RAMAGE, Sergeant H., 2nd. Dragoons. Balaklava, October 26th., 1854.
Saving the life of a wounded comrade when surrounded by seven
Russians; also bringing in prisoner from the Russian lines, and
carrying to the rear another wounded soldier, under a very heavy fire.

RAYNOR, Captain W., Bengal Veterinary Estab. Indian Mutiny, May 11th.,
1857. For his gallantry in defence of the magazine at Delhi.

READE, Deputy Surgeon-General H. T., 61st. Foot. Indian Mutiny,
September 14th. and 16th., 1857. For dislodging with a small force a
party of rebels firing on the wounded, and gallantry at the assault of
Delhi, where he was one of the first up the breach, and helped to
spike one of the guns of the enemy.

REEVES, Seaman T., Royal Navy. Inkermann, November 5th., 1854.
Defending battery under heavy fire, and repeated attacks. _See_ Seamen
J. Gorman and M. Scholefield.

RENNIE, Lieutenant-Colonel W., 90th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, September
21st. and 25th., 1857. For his bravery in the advance on Lucknow, and
at that city, in charging guns in advance of his column, in the face
of a heavy fire.

RENNY, Major-General G. A., Royal Artillery. Indian Mutiny, September
16th., 1857. For his heroism in preventing the enemy firing the
magazine at Delhi, by climbing to the top of the wall and throwing
lighted shells amongst them.

REYNOLDS, Surgeon-Major J. H., M.B., Army Medical Department. Rorke’s
Drift, Zululand. January 22nd. and 23rd., 1879. For his attention to
the wounded under fire, and for fetching ammunition for defenders of
the hospital under a cross fire.

REYNOLDS, Private W., Scots Fusilier Guards. Alma, September 20th.,
1854. For his conspicuous gallantry in rallying the men round the
colours when the line was disordered.

RICHARDSON, Private G., 34th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, April 27th., 1859.
For his determined courage at Kewanie, having, when one of his arms
was disabled, closed with and secured a rebel armed with a loaded
revolver.

RICKARD, Quartermaster W., Royal Navy. Black Sea, October 11th., 1855.
Remaining to assist fallen comrade under close fire. _See_ Admiral Sir
J. E. Commerell.

RIDGEWAY, Captain R. K., Bengal Staff Corps. Konoma, Eastern frontier
of India, November 22nd., 1879. For his bravery in attempting to
destroy a barricade, under a heavy fire, in which duty he was severely
wounded, at Genitchi.

ROBERTS, Lieutenant-General Sir F. S., Bart., G.C.B., Bengal
Artillery. Indian Mutiny, January 2nd., 1858. Capturing a standard
from two Sepoys, single-handed, at Khodagunge, and for conspicuous
gallantry on every occasion.

ROBERTS, Chief Gunner John. Black Sea, May 29th., 1855. Setting fire
to stores, in face of enemy. _See_ Captain Buckley.

ROBERTS, Private J. R., 9th. Lancers. Indian Mutiny, September 28th.,
1857. Bringing a wounded comrade through a street under heavy fire, in
which he was himself wounded, at Bolundshuhur.

ROBINSON, Seaman E., Naval Brigade. Indian Mutiny, March 13th., 1858.
For having, at Lucknow, extinguished a fire among the sandbags of a
battery under very heavy fire of musketry.

RODDY, Lieutenant-Colonel P., Bengal Army. Indian Mutiny, September
27th., 1857. For charging and cutting down a rebel armed with a
musket, who killed his horse; and other gallant acts.

RODGERS, Private G., 71st. Foot. Indian Mutiny, June 16th., 1858. For
daring conduct in attacking alone a party of seven rebels strongly
posted, killing one of them, at Marar, Gwalior.

ROGERS, Colonel R. M., 44th Foot. Capture of Taku Forts, China, August
21st., 1860, with Lieutenant E. H. Lenon, and Private J. M‘Dougal. For
swimming the ditches, and being the first in the fort, entering
through an embrasure. _See_ Lieutenant Lenon.

ROSAMOND, Serjeant-Major M., 37th. Bengal Native Infantry. Indian
Mutiny, June 4th., 1857. Accompanying Lieutenant-Colonel Spottiswoode
to fire the lines of mutinous Sepoys at Benares, and volunteering to
bring in Captain Brown, his family, and others from a detached
bungalow.

ROSS, Corporal J., Royal Engineers. Sebastopol and Redan, July 21st.
and August 23rd., 1855. For distinguished conduct in placing and
filling gabions under heavy fire and light balls, and creeping to the
Redan and reporting its evacuation on the night of September 8th.

ROWLANDS, Major-General H., c.b., 41st. Foot. Inkermann, November
5th., 1854. Rescuing Colonel Haly when wounded and surrounded by
Russians, and gallantly holding his post on picquet.

RUSH, Serjeant-Major David, 9th. Lancers. Indian Mutiny, March 19th.,
1858. For conspicuous bravery near Lucknow, in attacking with one man
eight of the enemy, killing three of them.

RUSSELL, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir C., Bart., Grenadier Guards.
Inkermann, November 5th., 1854. Volunteering to dislodge a party of
Russians from the Sandbag Battery, if anyone would follow him. The
attack was successful.

RYAN, Private John, 1st. Madras Fusiliers. Indian Mutiny, September
26th., 1857. For his gallantry in saving the wounded from being
massacred at Lucknow.

RYAN, Lance-Corporal J., 65th. Foot. New Zealand, September 7th.,
1863. For his conduct, with Privates Bulford and Talbot of the same
regiment, in removing Captain Smith, who was mortally wounded, from
the field of action, and remaining beside his body all night in the
bush.

RYAN, Drummer M., 1st. Bengal European Fusiliers. Indian Mutiny,
Delhi, September 14th., 1857. _See_ Serjeant-Major J. M‘Guire.

SALKELD, Lieutenant P., Bengal Engineers. Indian Mutiny, September
14th., 1857. Mortally wounded in the desperate duty of blowing in the
Cashmere Gate. _See_ Lieutenant D. C. Home.

SALMON, Rear-Admiral N., C.B., Naval Brigade. Indian Mutiny, November
16th., 1857; and Boatswain’s Mate John Harrison. Climbing, under fire,
a tree, touching the angle of the Shah Nujiff, in order to reply to
the fire of the enemy, when Captain Peel had called for volunteers.

SARTORIUS, Lieutenant-Colonel E. H., 59th. Foot. Afghanistan, October
24th., 1879. Leading party of five men of the 59th. Regiment at
Shahjui against enemy of unknown strength, and dislodging them from a
strong position on the top of a hill. In this service he was wounded.

SARTORIOUS, Lieutenant-Colonel R. W., C.M.G., 6th. Bengal Cavalry.
Ashanti, January 17th., 1874. At Abogov, removing wounded
non-commissioned Houssa officer under heavy fire and placing him under
cover.

SCHIESS, Corporal, Natal Native Contingent. Rorke’s Drift, Zululand,
January 22nd., 1879. For conspicuous gallantry in repulsing Zulus with
the bayonet; also creeping along a wall and shooting three others who
were firing from the wall which had been abandoned.

SCHOLEFIELD, Seaman M. Inkermann, November 5th., 1854. _See_ Seamen J.
Gorman and T. Reeves.

SCOTT, Major A., Bengal Staff Corps. India, July 6th., 1877. Saving
the life of Lieutenant Kunhardt, at Quetta, from some Pathan coolies,
bayoneting two and closing with a third.

SCOTT, Lieutenant R. G., Cape Mounted Rifles. South Africa, April
8th., 1879. In the attack on Moirosi’s Mountain, attempting to throw
time shells over a stone barricade amongst the enemy, under a heavy
fire. In the performance of this duty he was severely wounded.

SEELY, Seaman W., H.M.S. “Euryalus.” Japan, September 6th., 1864.
Daring in ascertaining enemy’s position, and remaining at the front
after being wounded.

SELLAR, Lance-Corporal G., Seaforth Highlanders. Kabul, December
14th., 1879. For his bravery at Asmai, being first at top of a hill
and cutting down one of the enemy after fierce fight, in which he was
wounded himself.

SHAW, Lieutenant-Colonel H., 18th. Foot. New Zealand, January 24th.,
1865. Rescuing a wounded soldier under heavy fire, and with the
assistance of four privates who volunteered, bringing him in, on two
occasions the same day.

SHAW, Private S., 3rd. Battalion Rifle Brigade. Indian Mutiny, January
13th., 1858. Attacking and killing a Ghazee with his short sword,
after a desperate struggle, in which he was himself wounded.

SHEBBEARE, Captain R. H., 60th. Bengal Native Infantry. September
14th., 1857. At the assault on Delhi, attempting to reorganise his men
before walls of loopholed serai, and conducting rear-guard of retreat
across a canal, though severely wounded.

SHEPPARD, Boatswain J., H.M.S. “St. Jean d’Acre.” Sebastopol, July
15th., August 16th., 1855. Twice proceeding into the harbour alone in
a punt, and endeavouring to blow up a Russian man-of-war.

SHIELDS, Corporal R., 23rd. Foot. Sebastopol, Redan, September 8th.,
1855. Volunteering to go out and bring in Lieutenant Dynely, who was
mortally wounded, under heavy fire.

SIMPSON, Major J., 42nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, April 15th., 1858. At
the attack on the fort of Ruhya, bringing in first a wounded officer,
and then a wounded man, under close and heavy fire.

SIMS, Private J., 34th. Foot. Redan, 18th. June, 1855. Bringing in
wounded under heavy fire, in broad daylight.

SINNOT, Lance-Corporal J., 84th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, October 6th.,
1857. For distinguished gallantry at Lucknow in going out with
Sergeants Glynn and Mullins, and Private Mullins, to the rescue of
Lieutenant Gibaut, who was wounded, and bringing him in under heavy
fire. Selected by his companions as the most worthy.

SLEAVON, Corporal M., Royal Engineers. Indian Mutiny, April 3rd.,
1857. At the attack on the fort at Jhansi, continuing to work at head
of sap under heavy fire.

SMITH, Gunner Albert, Royal Artillery. At Abu Klea, Soudan, January
17th., 1885. Defending Lieutenant Guthrie, Royal Artillery, who was
mortally wounded.

SMITH, Colonel F. A., 43rd. Foot. New Zealand, June 21st., 1864.
Gallantly leading his company to attack a position at Tauranga,
although wounded.

SMITH, Lance-Corporal H., 52nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, September 14th.,
1857. Carrying away wounded comrade under heavy fire of grape and
musketry at Delhi.

SMITH, Sergeant J., Bengal Engineers. Indian Mutiny, Delhi, September
14th., 1857. _See_ Lieutenant Home.

SMITH, Private J., 1st. Madras Fusiliers (102nd. Regiment). Indian
Mutiny, November 16th., 1857. For having been one of the first to try
and enter the Secundra Bagh, and on the gate being forced, he was
among the first inside. He received immediately three desperate
wounds, but fought his way out, and performed his duties for the day.
Elected by the privates of the regiment.

SMITH, Corporal P., 17th. Foot. Redan, June 18th., 1855. For
repeatedly going out in front of the trenches and bringing in wounded,
under heavy fire.

SPENCE, Troop Sergeant-Major, 9th. Lancers. Indian Mutiny, January
17th., 1858. Rescuing a wounded comrade from a number of rebels, at
Shumsabad.

SPENCE, Private E., 42nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, April 15th., 1858. He,
with Lance-Corporal Thomson, would have been recommended for the
decoration, for having covered retreat of the party bringing in the
body of Lieutenant Willoughby, under heavy fire, but he died from
wounds received when doing so.

STAGPOOLE, Drummer D., 57th. Foot. New Zealand, October 2nd., 1863.
Has also the medal for distinguished service in the field. _See_
Ensign J. T. Down.

STANLOCK, Private W., Coldstream Guards. Sebastopol, October, 1854.
For volunteering to crawl up within six yards of Russian sentry,
thereby enabling officer in command of reconnoitring party to effect a
surprise.

STEWART, Major W. G. D., 93rd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, November 16th.,
1857. For his gallantry at Lucknow in leading attack and capturing two
guns. Elected by the officers of the regiment.

STRONG, Private George, Coldstream Guards. Sebastopol, September 1855.
Throwing away live shell which fell in the trenches.

SULLIVAN, Chief Boatswain J. Sebastopol, April 10th., 1855. Placing
flag on a mound at great risk, so as to enable fire to be opened on a
concealed Russian battery.

SUTTON, Bugler W., 60th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, September 13th., 1857.
Reconnoitring the breach at Delhi the night before the assault, and
rushing over trenches when the enemy was attacking in force, and
killing a bugler who was about to sound. Elected by the privates of
the regiment.

SYLVESTER, Assistant-Surgeon H. T., 23rd. Foot. Redan, September 8th.,
1855. Going out under heavy fire to dress the wounds of Lieut. Dynely,
who was laying mortally wounded, and assisting the wounded under fire
on other occasions.

SYMONS, Lieutenant G., Military Train. Sebastopol, June 6th., 1855.
Unmasking battery under terrific fire, in which act he was severely
wounded.

TAYLOR, J., Captain of the Forecastle. Sebastopol, June 18th., 1855.
_See_ Rear-Admiral H. J. Raby, C.B.

TEESDALE, Colonel C. C., Royal Artillery. Defence of Kars, September
29th., 1855. Driving the enemy from a redoubt, the key of the
position, and rallying Turkish artillerymen when driven from their
guns, and inducing them to return to their post; and also, at great
personal risk, saving many of the wounded Russians from the fury of
the Turks.

TEMPLE, Surgeon-Major W., Royal Artillery. New Zealand, November
20th., 1863; and Lieutenant A. F. Pickard. For their devoted conduct
in assisting the wounded under heavy fire, during the assault of
Rangiriri.

THACKERY, Lieutenant-Colonel E. T., Bengal Engineers. Indian Mutiny,
September 16th., 1857. For daring in extinguishing a fire in the
magazine at Delhi, under close musketry fire, and at imminent risk of
being blown up.

THOMAS, Bombardier J., Bengal Artillery. Indian Mutiny, September
27th., 1857. Carrying away wounded comrade under heavy fire, during a
sortie from Lucknow.

THOMSON, Lance-Corporal A., 42nd. Foot. Indian Mutiny, April 15th.,
1858. Volunteering to assist in bringing in an officer’s body under
heavy fire. _See_ General Cafe.

THOMPSON, Private J., 60th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, July 9th., 1857. For
saving the life of his captain (Wilton) when surrounded by a party of
Ghazees, and gallantry on all occasions. Elected by the privates of
the regiment.

TOMBS, Major-General Sir H., K.C.B., Bengal Artillery. Indian Mutiny,
July 9th., 1857. Twice going to the assistance of Lieutenant Hills,
before Delhi, killing his man on each occasion. _See_ Lieutenant
Hills.

TRAVERS, General J. Indian Mutiny, July 1st., 1857. For his bravery in
the attack on the Presidency at Indore, when, supported by only five
men, he charged the guns of the mutineers, and by this act saved the
lives of many European fugitives.

TREVOR, Colonel W. S., Royal Engineers. Bhootan, April 30th., 1865;
and Lieutenant J. Dundas. Gallantry in leading attack on a loopholed
blockhouse at Dewangiri. _See_ Lieutenant Dundas.

TREWAVAS, Seaman J., H.M.S. “Beagle.” Straits of Genitchi, July 3rd.,
1855. Cutting hawsers of the floating bridge at Genitchi under heavy
fire, in which he was wounded.

TURNER, Private S., 60th. Rifles. Indian Mutiny, June 19th., 1857. At
Delhi, during a severe fight with the mutineers, he carried off on his
shoulders Lieutenant Humphreys, who was mortally wounded, and was
himself wounded in so doing.

TYTLER, Lieutenant-Colonel J. A., 60th. Bengal Native Infantry. Indian
Mutiny, February 10th., 1858. For charging rebel guns in advance at
Choorpoorah, and engaging gunners alone hand to hand, till the guns
were carried. In the action he was severely wounded.

VOUSDEN, Major W. J., Bengal Staff Corps. Kabul, December 14th., 1879.
Charging with a small party through and through superior force of
retreating Kohistanees, backwards and forwards several times, on the
Asmai heights.

WADESON, Colonel R., 75th. Foot. Indian Mutiny, before Delhi, July
18th., 1857. Twice saving a soldier’s life when attacked by rebel
sowars.

WALKER, Major-General M., 30th. Foot. Inkermann, November 5th., 1854.
By his example encouraging his comrades to repulse a superior force of
Russian Infantry.

WALLER, Colour-Sergeant G., 60th. Rifles. Indian Mutiny, September
14th. and 18th., 1857. For conspicuous gallantry at Delhi, in charging
and capturing guns. Elected by the non-commissioned officers of the
regiment.

WALLER, Lieutenant-Colonel W. F. F., 25th. Bombay Light Infantry.
Indian Mutiny, June 20th., 1858. For distinguished bravery in
capturing Gwalior by storm, with a handful of men. Lieutenant Rose,
the only other European present, was killed in the assault.

WALTERS, Sergeant G., 49th. Foot. Inkermann, November 5th., 1854.
Rescuing Brigadier-General Adams when surrounded by the enemy, one of
whom he killed.

WANTAGE, Lord (Loyd-Lindsay, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir R. J., K.C.B.),
Scots Fusilier Guards. Alma and Inkermann, 1854. At the Alma,
re-forming the line, and standing firm with the colours; and at
Inkermann, charging and repulsing a strong body of Russians with a few
men.

WARD, Private H., 78th. Highlanders. Indian Mutiny, September 25th.
and 26th., 1857. Escorting and protecting Lieutenant H. M. Havelock,
and a private, who were wounded, through heavy cross fire, to a place
of safety, at Lucknow.

WARD, Sergeant J. 8th. Hussars. Indian Mutiny, June 17th., 1858. For
gallantry at Gwalior. _See_ Major C. W. Heneage and Private Pearson.

WASSAL, Private S., 80th. Foot. Zululand, Isandhlwana, January 22nd.,
1879. Rescuing comrade from drowning, under heavy and close fire, in
the Buffalo river.

WATSON, Major-General J. C. B., 1st. Punjaub Cavalry. Indian Mutiny,
November 14th., 1857. For distinguished conduct in attacking rebel
cavalry in advance of his men, and dismounting their leader in single
combat.

WHEATLEY, Private F., Rifle Brigade. Sebastopol, November 10th., 1854.
Throwing live shell over parapet of the trenches.

WHIRLPOOL, Private F., 3rd. Bombay European Regiment. Indian Mutiny,
April 3rd. and May 2nd., 1858. Bringing in wounded under heavy fire,
at the attack on Jhansi, and going to the rescue of Lieutenant Donne,
who was wounded, at Lohari. In this service he received _seventeen_
wounds, but his gallant example greatly contributed to the success of
the day.

WHITE, Lieutenant-Colonel G. S., 92nd. Foot. Afghanistan, October
7th., 1879, and September 1st., 1880. For his gallantry at Charasiah,
in dislodging overwhelming numbers of enemy from fortified hill, with
only two companies of his regiment. His men exhausted with climbing,
he advanced alone and shot the enemy’s leader, causing the rest to
retreat; also dashing forward on another occasion and capturing a gun
at Candahar.

WILKINSON, Bombardier Thomas, Royal Marine Artillery. Sebastopol, June
5th., 1855. For his conduct in the advanced trenches, in repairing
work under heavy fire.

WILLIAMS, Private John, 2nd. Battalion 24th. Foot. Rorke’s Drift,
Zululand, January 22nd. and 23rd., 1879, and Private H. Hook.
Gallantly defending and rescuing hospital patients. _See_ Privates
Hitch, Jones, etc.

WILMOT, Major Sir Henry, Bart., C.B., Rifle Brigade. Indian Mutiny,
March 11th., 1858; and Corporal W. Nash and Private D. Hawks. For his
gallantry in covering retreat of three of his men, who were carrying
away a wounded comrade exposed to the fire of the enemy.

WILSON, Captain A. K., H.M.S. “Hecla.” Soudan, El Teb, February 29th.,
1884. Engaging, in defence of a Gardner gun, several of the enemy,
single-handed and wounded.

WOOD, Major-General, Sir H. E., K.C.B., 17th. Light Dragoons. Indian
Mutiny, October 19th., 1858. Attacking and routing almost
single-handed, a body of rebels at Sindwaho; and with two soldiers
rescuing a Potail from band of robbers, near Sindhora.

WOOD, Colonel J. A., Bombay Staff Corps. Persia, December 9th., 1856.
At Bushire he was first on the parapet, and although struck by seven
bullets, he cut down the leader of the enemy, and established himself
in the place.

WOODEN, Quartermaster Charles, 17th. Lancers. Balaklava, October
26th., 1854. Saving life of Colonel Morris. _See_ Surgeon-General J.
Mouat, C.B.

WRIGHT, Private A., 77th. Foot. Crimea. For conspicuous gallantry
throughout the whole war. He greatly distinguished himself on several
occasions, and was twice wounded.

YOUNG, Commander J., Royal Navy. Indian Mutiny, November 10th., 1857,
and Captain of Foretop, W. Hall, H.M.S. “Shannon.” Gallantry in
working a 24-pounder gun brought up to the angle of the Shah Nujiff,
at Lucknow.

Since the above list has been in type, three officers have won the Cross, for the distinguished bravery shown by them during the recent operations in the Hunza and Nagar Country, on the Gilgit frontier, in December, 1891; namely, Captain F. H. Aylmer, of the Royal Engineers, and Lieutenants G. H. Boisragon and J. M. Smith, of the Indian Staff Corps. Capt. Aylmer and Lieutenant Boisragon gained the decoration for their conspicuous gallantry in the assault and capture of the Nilt Fort, December 2nd., 1891. Captain Aylmer accompanied the storming party, and blew open the inner gate of the place with gun cotton, and, though severely wounded, continued fighting till he fainted from loss of blood. Lieutenant Guy H. Boisragon led the assault, and returned for reinforcements, under a heavy cross fire. The Cross was given to Lieutenant J. M. Smith for the gallantry with which he led the storming party at the attack and capture of a very strong position near Nilt, in the Hunza-Nagar country, December 20th., 1891, which had stopped the advance of the force for seventeen days.

The Indian Mutiny Medal.
]

THE INDIAN MUTINY MEDAL.
1857–1858.

This medal, which is by L. C. Wyon, Esq., was granted by a General Order, dated August 18th., 1858. The obverse has the Queen’s head, diademed, with the superscription “Victoria Regina,” and on the reverse Britannia is represented in an erect position, instead of being seated. In her right hand, outstretched, is a laurel wreath. An oval shield with the crosses of the Union is on the left arm, and in the hand are other wreaths. The British Lion forms an appropriate background, above is the word “India,” and in the exergue the date 1857–1858. The ribbon is French-white, with two red stripes. It was granted to all engaged in operations against the rebels or mutineers, and was also conferred on non-military persons who had borne arms as volunteers against them. There are five bars attached, respectively inscribed “Delhi,” “Defence of Lucknow,” “Relief of Lucknow,” “Lucknow,” and “Central India.” The first clasp was granted to the troops employed in the operations against, and at the assault of, Delhi; that for the “Defence of Lucknow” was conferred on all of the original garrison, under Major-General Inglis, and to those who succoured them, and continued the defence under Major-Generals Sir Henry Havelock and Sir James Outram, until relieved by Lord Clyde; “Relief of Lucknow” was given to the troops engaged in the operations against that place, under the immediate command of Lord Clyde, in November, 1857; and the clasp of “Lucknow” was awarded to the force engaged under his lordship’s immediate command in March, 1858, in the final capture of the town, and in all operations connected therewith; “Central India” was granted to the column under Major-General Sir Hugh Rose, G.C.B., engaged in the operations against Jhansi, Calpee, and Gwalior, and also to the troops, which, under the command of Major-Generals Roberts and Whitlock respectively, performed such important service in Central India. Four was the greatest number of bars issued with any one medal, and the medal was given to the Naval Brigade, without a bar, and with bars, for “Relief of Lucknow,” and “Lucknow.”

SIEGE OF DELHI.
30TH. MAY TO 14TH. SEPTEMBER, 1857.

Sunday, the 10th. of May, 1857, will never cease to be remembered in India. An outbreak, for some time contemplated, broke out at Meerut in the afternoon of that day. A century had elapsed since Clive’s celebrated battle of Plassey, the forerunner of so many victories gained in India, by the valuable co-operation of the Native troops, when the latter, forgetful of their former glories and of their loyalty, burst out into mutiny, with the view of overthrowing British supremacy in the East; the outbreak of Vellore, in the Madras Presidency, in 1806, having been the only exception to the long-continued fidelity of the Sepoy soldier. During the operations against Persia the Court of Delhi had entered into correspondence with the Shah, and Dost Mahomed, the Sovereign of Cabool, had been urged to invade the Punjab when, by the secession of the Bengal native army, the time should be opportune. The grievance of the greased cartridges was indeed urged, but the combination had been for some time forming, and the name of the King of Delhi, over eighty years of age, was imagined to be a “tower of strength” in the endeavour to be made to restore the supremacy of the Mogul dynasty.

There is no doubt the rebellion was prematurely commenced; but scenes of the most heart-rending descriptions occurred, and several officers, ladies, and even children fell victims to the brutality of the Sepoys. Outbreaks occurred at Allahabad, Jhansi, Azimghur, Bareilly, Lucknow, Cawnpore, Benares, and other places; the European women and children being, in many cases, murdered, and the several mutinous regiments all made for Delhi, hastening thither, as a central point, from all quarters, and committing the greatest outrages.

When the mutineers had seized Delhi, and proclaimed a descendant of the Mogul as king, their next object was to gain the chief magazine in that city. After a gallant defence it was exploded by order of Lieutenant Willoughby, who died of his wounds. Sculley and Buckley were the two gunners, and the former, who fired the train, escaped, together with the other heroes Lieutenants Forrest and Raynor.

At this momentous period the Commander-in-Chief in India was General the Honourable George Anson, who had proceeded to Simla to escape the heat of the plains. Immediately upon receiving intelligence of the mutiny, he hurried to Umballa, and collecting all the available troops,[176] marched on Delhi, but died of cholera at Kurnaul on the 27th. of May. His successor was Major-General Reed, who on the day following quitted Rawul Pindee, and arrived early in June at the camp of Major-General Sir Henry Barnard, K.C.B., at Aleepore, where a numerous force had been collected.

While Brigadier-General Archdale Wilson hastened with a body of troops from Meerut to join the former, the mutineers from Delhi attempted to intercept his march. He was attacked on the 30th. of May at Ghazee-ood-deen-nuggur, when seven hundred British soldiers defeated a disciplined force more than seven-fold their number. This is considered as the commencement of operations before Delhi.

On the following day (Whit-Sunday) the attack was renewed, and the enemy was again repulsed, twenty-six guns being captured. The 6th. Dragoon Guards and first battalion 60th. Rifles have reason to be proud of their deeds performed this day. No further opposition was encountered, and Brigadier-General Wilson joined Sir Henry Barnard at Aleepore. The united forces commenced their march shortly after midnight, and Brigadier-General Reed being unable from sickness to proceed with the army, the command devolved on Major-General Sir Henry Barnard.

At dawn on the 8th. of June the British arrived before Badlee-ke-Serai, a fortified position, when the enemy opened fire. Brigadier Hope Grant, C.B., with his column, consisting of portions of the 9th. Lancers, 6th. Dragoon Guards. 75th., first battalions 60th. and 87th. were highly distinguished. On the regimental colour of the 75th. appeared the Royal Tiger, gained in former fields in India, and they added to their well-earned reputation by charging the enemy with the bayonet, who abandoned the whole of his guns.

This entrenched position being carried, Sir Henry Barnard divided his army into two columns, one of which proceeded along the main trunk road under Brigadier-General Wilson, while the other marched under his own command to the site of the Delhi cantonments, before they were burnt. Here on an eminence the mutineers were posted, which position was taken by Sir Henry Barnard, the enemy being forced to abandon their guns; while this rapid flank movement to the left, by Brigadier Wilson’s column forcing its way through gardens with high walls, compelled the foe to take refuge in Delhi, the two commanders meeting at a place named Hindoo’s Rao’s House.

In these actions the Ghoorkas, evinced that gallantry which was so prominent during every subsequent encounter with the enemy.

After these events the British army took up a position before Delhi. The force at this period comprised the following Queen’s regiments:—two squadrons of the 6th. Dragoon Guards (Carabineers), the 9th. Lancers; head-quarters and six companies of the 60th. Rifles; head-quarters and nine companies of the 75th. Regiment; in addition to these were three troops of horse artillery; a company of foot artillery, a detachment of sappers and miners, the first Bengal Fusiliers; and the head-quarters and six companies of the second Fusiliers, and the Sirmoor battalion.

A strongly-built residence, named Hindoo Rao’s House, on the top of a high eminence about half a mile in advance of the camp, offered an excellent position for bombarding the town, and from the three batteries erected thereon a constant fire of shot and shell was kept up. Between Hindoo Rao’s House and the Grand Trunk Road the ground was rough and rocky, covered with brushwood and enclosed gardens, over which the Sepoys frequently crept up in skirmishing order, availing themselves of the shelter thus afforded, but they were always repulsed by the guides and riflemen, being at times pursued nearly to the city walls. Every mutineer who was captured was at once shot or bayoneted.

The lines of defence were gradually advanced, and the rebels were driven from the Subzee Mundee, formerly used as a market for vegetables, and the Serai, a large building in front of it, which the British strongly fortified, together with the Pagoda opposite the Moree Gate.

Early in June cholera appeared in the camp; this added to the trials of the troops; there being in consequence of the small force scarcely any rest by night, as the limited numbers barely admitted of relief, lessened as they were by those required for picket duty. Fighting by day, and being on the alert for a renewal of the conflict by night, occasioned great fatigue, and shewed what British troops can endure; besides which the ammunition supplies were not very plentiful for heavy ordnance.[177] Another large Serai, near the Ajmeer Gate, was gallantly taken on the 17th. of June, by a body of troops under Major Tombs, of the artillery.

In consequence of a prophecy that the 23rd. of June, the centenary anniversary of Plassey, was to be fatal to British rule in India, a determined effort was made by the mutineers on that morning, who advanced from the city in large bodies, and attacking the batteries, kept up a sustained and vigorous fire throughout the day. Their prophets proved false, for the enemy was beaten as usual.

This victory of the 23rd. of June occasioned much rejoicing in the camp. Frequent skirmishes occurred towards the end of the month, and during July. The besieging force had now been strengthened by a wing of the 8th. Foot and of the 61st. Regiment.

Early in July Sir Henry Barnard died of cholera, when the command devolved on Major-General Reed, who, although the senior, had relinquished it to him upon the decease of General Anson. Reed, on account also of ill-health, was soon compelled to give over the command to Brigadier-General Wilson. The 8th. and 61st. Regiments suffered severely from cholera, attributed to their long march during the height of the rainy season. The former, in four months, from July to October, lost one hundred and thirty-three men, and the deaths in the latter during the same period amounted to two hundred and forty-six.

A sortie was made by the enemy on the 9th. of July. During the forenoon of the 14th. another attack occurred in which Brigadier-General Chamberlain, the Adjutant-General, was severely wounded; Captain Norman, of the 31st. Native Infantry (frequently thanked in the dispatches for his services), the second in the department, was appointed to carry on the duties of this arduous office. On the 18th. and 23rd. other sorties took place, and the rebels were again repulsed.

Two dense columns of the enemy attempted, on the 31st. of July, to gain the rear of the British camp, but the bridges having been destroyed, they were unable to cross the canal, and after a brisk cannonade the troops returned to the city. An attack sustained with great determination occurred on the 1st. of August, the anniversary of the great Mahomedan festival, commemorating Abraham’s sacrifice, not of Isaac, but of Ishmael, when the mutineers received a severe punishment. Brigadier Showers, on the 12th. of that month, succeeded in capturing four of the enemy’s guns. Four days previously Brigadier-General Nicholson reached the camp in advance of his column, which had been employed in disarming rebellion in the Punjab;[178] his force consisting of two thousand five hundred men, Europeans and Sikhs, was a welcome addition to the army before Delhi.

Brigadier-General Nicholson gained a brilliant victory over the enemy at Nujjuffghur, twenty miles from Delhi, on the 25th. of August, and thus prevented an attack upon the rear of the British camp.

For some time the siege train from Meerut had been anxiously expected, and on the morning of the 4th. of September it arrived.

A crisis was now fast approaching; fifty-four siege guns were placed in position in several batteries, and on the 11th. of September an incessant fire was opened, and sustained, upon the line of defence between the Water and Cashmere Gates. The latter was in ruins on the 13th., and shortly after three o’clock on the following morning, the assaulting columns prepared to advance. There were four columns of attack; Brigadier-General Nicholson commanded the first; Brigadier-General Jones the second; Brigadier Campbell the third; and Major Reid the fourth. There was also a fifth reserve column under Brigadier Longfield.

It being necessary to blow open the Cashmere Gate, in order that the attacking force might effect an entrance into the city, this desperate duty was performed by Lieutenants Home and Salkeld,[179] of the Engineers. The latter died of his wounds, and the former was shortly afterwards killed by an explosion, whilst blowing up a fort abandoned by the rebels in Bolundshuhur.

Brigadier Nicholson with the first column of attack, consisting of three hundred men of the 75th., two hundred and fifty of the 1st. European Bengal Fusiliers, and five hundred of the 2nd. Punjab Infantry was ordered to assault the breach in the Cashmere Curtain Gate. A portion escaladed the left face of the bastion of the gate, while the remainder, covered by the fire of the 60th., rushed up the breach made upon their left of the gate. After reaching the Cabool Gate, so destructive a fire was opened by the enemy, that the advancing troops were compelled to desist. Their gallant commander, Nicholson, whilst inducing the men to renew the attempt, here fell mortally wounded, and died nine days afterwards. Colonel Herbert, of the 75th., was previously wounded on the glacis, and the command of this portion of the assaulting column devolved on Captain William Brookes, of that regiment.

Brigadier William Jones with the second column, composed of the 8th., 2nd. European Bengal Fusiliers, and 4th. Sikh regiment of infantry (the storming party consisted of seventy-five men of these corps, and the assault was led by Brevet-Major R. S. Baynes, of the 8th. Foot, who was dangerously wounded), covered by the fire of the skirmishers of the 60th. Rifles, advanced through the breach in the bastion at the Water Gate, and gained possession of the walls as far as the Cabool Gate without meeting any check. Upon reaching the latter the troops turned one of the guns immediately on the Lahore Gate, from which the foe was firing grape and round shot.

Colonel George Campbell, of the 52nd. Light Infantry, proceeded with the third column of assault, consisting of two hundred and forty of the 52nd., five hundred of the 1st. Punjab Infantry, and two hundred and sixty of the Kumaon battalion, and when the Cashmere Gate had been blown open by the explosion, the stormers rushed in, and in a short time the column gained possession of the main guard, where so many murders had occurred at the outbreak of the mutiny and at once advanced to the attack of the great mosque, the Jumma Musjid, situated about the centre of the city. When almost close to the mosque, it was found that there were no means of gaining an entrance, the force being without powder-bags or artillery; and having to sustain a concentrated musketry fire from the surrounding houses, the column was eventually compelled to withdraw.

Major Reid, of the Sirmoor Battalion, who led the fourth column (consisting of fifty men of the 60th. Rifles, two hundred Sirmoor Battalion, one hundred and sixty 1st. Fusiliers, two hundred Guides, twenty-five Coke’s Corps, sixty-five Kumaon Battalion, eighty 61st. Regiment,—seven hundred and eighty in all), was severely wounded; his fall checked the advance of the Goorkhas; Captain D. D. Muter, of the 1st. battalion of the 60th., succeeded to the command; and the rush of the Rifles and Fusiliers placed them for a moment in possession of the breastwork at the end of the Serai of Kishengunge, but being unsupported, were unable to maintain the position, under the heavy flanking fire to which they became exposed.

Meanwhile the cavalry brigade (consisting of two hundred of the 9th. Lancers, and four hundred and ten Natives from the Guides, 1st., 2nd., and 5th. Punjab Cavalry, and Hodson’s Horse; with three guns of the first Troop Horse Artillery, and four guns of the second, under Major Toombs), commanded by Brigadier Hope Grant, forming in front of the walls, proceeded to the Cabool Gate, and although exposed to a heavy fire, did excellent service by preventing the mutineers, who came out in great numbers through the gardens, from attacking the British batteries. During the operation on the 14th. of September the casualties amounted to eleven hundred and seventy killed, wounded, and missing.

Lieutenant-Colonel Deacon, of the 61st., succeeded in capturing the magazine in the city of Delhi, on the 16th. of September. Not a word was spoken, not a trigger pulled, until the stormers and the support had reached the summit of the breach and the magazine yard, when a cheer and a charge were given and made, on which the enemy, taken most completely by surprise, fled precipitately, throwing down the port-fires at their guns. Several of them were bayoneted close to the breach, the others were closely pursued by the 61st. and the 4th. Punjab Infantry. A party under Lieutenant-Colonel Rainey, of the former (under the guidance of Captain H. W. Norman, Assistant-Adjutant-General), having passed through the magazine, turned to their left, and spiked a gun, which was in position on the eastern wall of the city, and which was pointed at the College Garden Battery; here the enemy fought desperately. Assistant-Surgeon Reade and Colour-Sergeant Mitchell, both of the 61st., also spiked a gun. One hundred and seventy guns, together with stores of all descriptions, were found in the magazine. During the fore and afternoon attacks were made by the rebels, which were repulsed on every occasion by the troops then within the walls, under Lieutenant-Colonel Farquhar, of the Belooch Battalion.

A determined opposition was kept up for a few days in the city, and only slow progress was made; but on the morning of the 20th., possession was secured of the Lahore Gate, and the troops then advanced upon the other bastions and gates, until the entire defences of the city were acquired. The enemy, unable to withstand the uninterrupted and vigorous fire from the guns and mortars, from the first entrance of the city by the British, and the steady and persevering advance of the troops, at length took to flight, abandoning their camp, property, and several of their sick and wounded, besides the greater portion of their field artillery; some four or five thousand fled across the bridge of boats into the Doab, or country between the Jumna and the Ganges, and the rest along the right bank of the former river.

After the gate of the palace had been blown in, it was occupied by the troops about noon on Sunday, the 20th. of September, and the head-quarters of Major-General Wilson were established therein the same day. The rapid advance upon the Jumna Musjid by Major Brind, of the artillery, with a detachment of fifty men of the 8th. Foot, and twenty of the 1st. Bengal European Fusiliers, under the command of Captain Bannatyne, of the former regiment, an entrance into which was forced about an hour and a half prior to the assault upon the palace, contributed towards the success of the operations, and the complete occupation of the city. At sunrise on the 21st. a royal salute proclaimed that Delhi was again under British rule; the aged Sovereign, after a trial, being sent a prisoner for life to Rangoon.[180]

When the capture of Delhi was completed, a flying column, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel E. H. Greathed,[181] consisting of the 9th. Lancers, 8th. and 75th. Regiments, the 2nd. and 4th. Punjab Infantry, two hundred of Hodson’s Horse with the 1st., 2nd., and 5th. Punjab Cavalry and Horse Artillery, proceeded on the morning of the 23rd. of September, from Delhi in a south-easterly direction upon Bolundshuhur and Allyghur, with a view of cutting off the mutineers on the right bank of the Jumna, in their endeavour to pass the river into the Doab. At Bolundshuhur, on the 28th. of September, the column defeated a body of the enemy, and afterwards destroyed the fort of Malaghur; here, Lieutenant Home, who shared in the blowing open of the Cashmere Gate at Delhi, met an accidental death by an explosion of gunpowder. While on the march along the Great Trunk road to Allyghur, the rebels were again encountered and scattered.

Pursuing this successful course the troops arrived at Agra, after a night march from Hattrass; fatigued as they were, and while preparing to encamp, an attack was suddenly made upon them on the 10th. of October, by a numerous body of the enemy. In the action which ensued, the 9th. Lancers were specially mentioned. Lieutenant-Colonel Cotton, commanding at Agra, at once repaired to the camp, and assumed the command, but Lieutenant-Colonel Greathed was not aware of his presence for some time. The attack was soon overpowered, and turned into a complete rout, notwithstanding several ineffectual attempts to make a stand, and the pursuit was continued during the rest of the day for a distance of eleven miles, the whole of the enemy’s guns, twelve in number, being captured. This was effected under the rays of an Indian sun, and with comparatively small loss, but the casualties of the enemy were immense.

Lieutenant-Colonel Greathed having crossed the Jumna was joined, on the 14th. of October, by Brigadier Hope Grant,[182] who, as senior officer, took the command. After dismantling the fort of a rebel Rajah of Mynporee, who did not attempt any resistance, the column put to flight a body of fugitives from Delhi, killing many of them. Possession was gained of the fort of Jhujjur by Brigadier Showers, on the 17th. of October, which is regarded as the close of the operations against Delhi. Brigadier Grant, continuing his march, arrived at Cawnpore on the 28th. of October, and on the 30th. crossed the Ganges, reaching the vicinity of the Alumbagh on the 8th. of the following month.

The troops engaged at Delhi were—Artillery (European and Native); 6th. Dragoon Guards; 9th. Lancers; 1st. and 2nd. Hodson’s Horse; and 1st., 2nd., and 5th. Punjaub Cavalry; 8th., 52nd., 60th., 61st., and 75th. Royal Bengal Fusiliers; Bengal Sappers and Miners; 32nd. Bengal Infantry; 1st., 2nd., 4th. and 24th. Punjaub Infantry; 2nd. and 3rd. Ghoorkas; 4th. Sikh Infantry; 27th. Bombay Light Infantry; Irregular and Guide Cavalry and Infantry; and the Belooch Battalion.

DEFENCE OF LUCKNOW.
29TH. JUNE TO 25TH. SEPTEMBER, 1857.

Sir Henry Lawrence, having received information in the evening of the 29th. of June, that a body of rebels were about to march upon Lucknow from the village of Chinnahut, distant about eight miles from the town, determined on making a reconnoissance. This was accordingly commenced on the following day. Misled by the reports of wayfarers, who stated that there were few or no men between Lucknow and Chinnahut, the troops proceeded a greater distance than was originally intended, and suddenly fell in with the enemy, who had up to that moment eluded the vigilance of the advanced guard by concealing themselves, in overwhelming numbers, behind a long line of trees.

For some time the foe was held in check by the force, composed of three hundred of the 32nd., and portions of the 13th., 48th., and 71st. Native Infantry, with the howitzer; but the Oude artillerymen and drivers were traitors, and they overturned their six guns into ditches, cut the traces of their horses, and abandoned them, notwithstanding the remonstrances of their own officers, and of those on Sir Henry Lawrence’s staff, the Brigadier himself heading them, and drawing his sword upon the caitiffs. Thus exposed to a vastly superior fire of artillery, and completely outflanked on both sides by the enemy’s infantry and cavalry, which actually penetrated to the rear, the British were forced to retire with the loss of three pieces of artillery, and with a sad list of killed and wounded.

By this untoward event the whole available force was so far diminished, that there was not a sufficient number of men remaining to occupy the Residency and the fort named Muchhee Bhowun, an old dilapidated edifice which had been hastily put in repair, although the defences were far from complete, and were moreover commanded by many houses in the city. The Brigadier-General therefore, on the 1st. of July,[183] signalled the garrison of the Muchhee Bhowun to evacuate and blow up that fortress in the course of the night. The orders were ably carried out, and at twelve p.m. the troops marched into the Residency with their guns and treasure, without the loss of a man; and shortly afterwards the explosion of two hundred and forty barrels of gunpowder and six millions of ball cartridges, which were lying in the magazine, announced to Sir Henry Lawrence and his officers—who were anxiously waiting the report—the complete destruction of that post, and all that it contained. If it had not been for this wise and strategic measure, no member of the Lucknow garrison, in all probability, would have survived to tell the tale: for, as the Muchhee Bhowun was commanded from other parts of the town, and was moreover indifferently provided with heavy artillery ammunition, while the suffering and loss which the Residency garrison (even with the reinforcements thus obtained) endured in holding the position, proved that if the original intention of holding the two posts had been adhered to, both would inevitably have fallen.

A sad calamity occurred at the outset. On the first of July, an eight-inch shell burst in the room of the Residency in which Sir Henry Lawrence was sitting. The missile burst between him and Mr. Couper, close to both, but without injury to either. The whole of his staff implored Sir Henry to take up other quarters, as the place had then become the special target for the round shot and shell of the enemy. This, however, he jestingly declined to do, observing that another shell would certainly never be pitched into that small room. On the very next day, however, he was mortally wounded by the fragment of another shell which burst exactly in the same spot, and Captain Wilson, Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General, received a contusion. Sir Henry Lawrence terminated his distinguished career on the morning of the 4th. of July, having previously directed Brigadier-General Inglis to take the command of the troops, and Major Banks to succeed to the office of chief commissioner.

Scarcely had the garrison recovered this shock, when it had to lament the death of Major Banks, who received a bullet through his head while examining a critical outpost on the 21st. of July.

When the blockade was commenced only two of the batteries were completed, and the defences were in an unfinished condition, the buildings in the immediate vicinity, which gave cover to the enemy, being only partially cleared away. Indeed the heaviest losses were caused by the fire from the enemy’s sharpshooters, stationed in the adjoining mosques and houses of the native nobility, the necessity of destroying which had been repeatedly pressed on Sir Henry by the staff of engineers, but his invariable reply was, “Spare the holy places, and private property as far as possible;” and the garrison consequently suffered severely from this tenderness to the religious prejudices, and respect to the rights, of the rebellious citizens and soldiery.

Then ensued a defence as heroic as any in the annals of war. The narrative of Brigadier Inglis, simple and earnest, will never be forgotten by his countrymen. By it the reader will see that not a building within the walls of the Residency was safe;[184] the wounded were shot while in hospital, and ladies and children met the same fate in houses considered secure. The enemy, while working the guns concealed by the trenches, were shielded from the fire of the garrison, upon whom an incessant cannonade was kept up until the 20th. of July, at ten o’clock, on which morning the besiegers, in great numbers, after exploding a mine within the British defences, attempted to storm the Residency, and did not cease their efforts until two o’clock in the afternoon, being driven back by the gallant defenders, who were sustained by the consciousness of the mighty trust committed to their charge.