Part 5
"It was a wild and singular country, the wilderness through which they (the Anglo-Indian troops) were passing. The sand-hills stretched north and south for hundreds of miles in parallel ridges, rounded at top, and most symmetrically plaited, like the ripple on the sea-shore after a placid tide. Varying in their heights, their breadth and steepness, they presented one uniform surface, but while some were only a mile broad, others were more than ten miles across; some were of gentle slopes and low, others lofty, and so steep that the howitzers could only be dragged up by men. The sand was mingled with shells, and ran in great streams resembling numerous rivers, skirted on each side by parallel streaks of soil, which nourished jungle, yet thinly and scattered. The tracks of the hyena and wild boar, and the prints of small deer's footsteps, were sometimes seen at first, but they soon disappeared, and then the solitude of the waste was unbroken.
"For eight days these intrepid soldiers traversed this gloomy region, living from hand to mouth, uncertain each morning if water could be found in the evening; and many times it was not found. They were not even sure of their right course; yet with fiery valour and untiring strength, they continued their dreary dangerous way. The camels found very little food, and got weak, but the stout infantry helped to drag the heavy howitzers up the sandy steeps; and all the troops, despising the danger of an attack from the Beloochees, worked with a power and will that overcame every obstacle. On the eighth day they reached _Emaum Ghur_, eager to strike and storm, and then was seen how truly laid down is Napoleon's great maxim, that moral force is in war to physical force, as four to one. Mahomed Khan, with a strong fortress well provided, and having a garrison six times as numerous as the band coming to assail him, had fled with his treasure two days before; taking a southerly direction, he regained the Indus by tracks with which his people were well acquainted, leaving all his stores of grain and powder behind."
As Emaum 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.
After this difficult and harassing service, the troops returned triumphant on the 23rd of January, to Peer-Abu-Bekr, where Major-General Sir Charles Napier reunited his whole army. It is to be observed that the march was performed without the loss of a man, or without even a sick soldier, and the Ameers' troops were dispersed, and their plan of campaign frustrated.
A treaty of peace was signed by the Ameers on the 14th of February: directions were sent to the British political resident, Major Outram, by the Ameers, to quit _Hyderabad_, the capital, and 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. The light company of the TWENTY-SECOND regiment, mustering _one hundred_ men, under Captain T. S. Conway, Lieutenant F. P. Harding, and Ensign R. Pennefather, was the only force at the residency, the enclosure of which was surrounded by a wall from four to five feet high. The gallant officers and soldiers of this company kept the eight thousand Scindian troops, with six pieces of artillery, at bay nearly four hours; and when their ammunition was nearly expended, they retreated to the river, with Major Outram, and embarking on board of two steam-vessels, joined the troops under Major-General Sir Charles Napier, at Hala. The light company had two men killed and four wounded on this occasion.
The Ameers having thus commenced hostilities, assembled a numerous force to destroy the few British troops in the country. Major-General Sir Charles Napier, trusting to the valour of the troops under his orders, advanced to meet the enemy. On the 17th of February, _twenty-two thousand_ Scindian troops were discovered in position behind the bank of a river at _Meeanee_. The British, mustering _two thousand eight hundred_ men, advanced in _echelon_ of regiments to attack their numerous opponents, and the TWENTY-SECOND, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel J. L. Pennefather, had the honor to lead the attack. A numerous body of Beloochees discharged their matchlocks and pistols at the TWENTY-SECOND, 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.
After a severe contest 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. On the 20th of February, the British colours waved in triumph over the fortress of _Hyderabad_.
In Major-General Napier's admirable work on "_The Conquest of Scinde_," is given the following spirited and picturesque description of the battle of MEEANEE:--
"The Ameers' right was found to be strengthened and covered by the village of Kattree, which was filled with men; that flank offered no weak point. But in the Shikargah on their left the General instantly detected a flaw. It has been before said this Shikargah was covered by a wall, having only one opening, not very wide, through which it was evident the Beloochees meant to pour out on the flank and rear of the advancing British line. The General rode near this wall, and found it was nine or ten feet high; he rode nearer, and marked it had no loop-holes for the enemy to shoot through; he rode into the opening under a play of matchlocks, and, looking behind the wall, saw there was no scaffolding to enable the Beloochees to fire over the top. Then the inspiration of genius came to the aid of heroism. Taking a company of the TWENTY-SECOND, he thrust them at once into the opening, telling their brave Captain, Tew, that he was to block up that entrance; to die there, if it must be,--never to give way! And well did the gallant fellow obey his orders: he died there, but the opening was defended. The great disparity of numbers was thus abated, and the action of six thousand men paralysed by the more skilful action of only eighty! It was, on a smaller scale as to numbers, a stroke of generalship like that which won Blenheim for the Duke of Marlborough.
"Now the advancing troops, in echelon of regiments, approached the enemy's front. The British right passed securely under the wall of the Shikargah, cheered and elated as they moved by the rattling sound of Tew's musketry. * * * * Meanwhile the dead level of the plain was swept by the Beloochee cannon and matchlocks, which were answered from time to time by Lloyd's batteries, yet not frequently, for rapidly and eagerly did the troops press forward to close with their unseen foes. When the TWENTY-SECOND had got within a hundred yards of the high sloping bank of the Fulaillee, they threw their fire at the top of the bank, where the heads of the Beloochees could be just seen, bending with fiery glances over the levelled matchlocks, and the voice of the General, shrill and clear, was heard along the line, commanding the charge.
"Then rose the British shout; the English guns were run forward into position, the infantry closed upon the Fulaillee with a run, and rushed up the sloping bank. The Beloochees, having their matchlocks laid ready in rest along the summit, waited until the assailants were within fifteen yards ere their volley was delivered; the rapid pace of the British, and the steepness of the slope on the inside, deceived their aim, and the execution was not great; the next moment the TWENTY-SECOND were on the top of the bank, thinking to bear down all before them, but they staggered back in amazement at the forest of swords waving in their front! Thick as standing corn, and gorgeous as a field of flowers, stood the Beloochees in their many-coloured garments and turbans; they filled the broad deep bed of the Fulaillee, they clustered on both banks, and covered the plain beyond. Guarding their heads with their large dark shields, they shook their sharp swords, beaming in the sun, their shouts rolled like a peal of thunder, as with frantic gestures they rushed forwards, and full against the front of the TWENTY-SECOND dashed with demoniac strength and ferocity. 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 that queen of weapons the musket, and sent their foremost masses rolling back in blood."
The following extracts from the despatch of Major-General Sir Charles Napier testify the part borne by the TWENTY-SECOND in the victory of MEEANEE:--
"Lieutenant-Colonel Pennefather was severely wounded as with the high courage of a soldier he led his regiment (TWENTY-SECOND) up the desperate bank of the Fulaillee. Major Wyllie, Captains Tucker and Conway, Lieutenants Harding and Phayre, were all wounded, while gloriously animating their men to sustain the shock of numbers."
"Captains Meade, Tew, and Cookson, with Lieutenant Wood, all fell honorably, urging on the assault with unmitigated valour.
"Major Poole, of the TWENTY-SECOND, and Captain Jackson of the Twenty-fifth native infantry, who succeeded to the command of those regiments, proved themselves worthy of their dangerous posts.
"The Acting Assistant Quartermaster-General, Lieutenant McMurdo, of the TWENTY-SECOND regiment, had his horse killed, and, while on foot leading some soldiers in a desperate dash down the enemy's side of the bank, he cut down a Chieftain. He has greatly assisted me by his activity and zeal during the whole of our operations.
"Innumerable are the individual acts of intrepidity which took place between our soldiers and their opponents, too numerous for detail in this despatch, yet well meriting a record."
In the NOTIFICATION of the Right Honorable 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."
Major Poole, commanding the TWENTY-SECOND regiment, in consequence of Lieutenant-Colonel Pennefather having been severely wounded, stated in his report, respecting the soldiers of the regiment under his command, who had distinguished themselves in the battle of Meeanee, "that the officers generally assert that they feel difficulty in making selections, where the conduct of every man of their companies was so satisfactory. In so general a field of action and persevering exertion, I equally feel at a loss where to draw a distinction; but it may be proper to mention the names of Private James O'Neill, of the light company, who took a standard whilst we were actively engaged with the enemy, and drummer Martin Delaney, who shot, bayoneted, and captured the arms of Meer Whullee Mahomed Khan, who was mounted, and directing the enemy in the hottest part of the engagement."
The loss of the TWENTY-SECOND regiment at the battle of Meeanee was, Captain J. McLeod Tew,[9] one serjeant, and twenty-two rank and file killed; Lieut.-Colonel J. L. Pennefather, Captain T. S. Conway, Lieutenants W. M. G. McMurdo and F. P. Harding, Ensigns R. Pennefather and H. Bowden, one serjeant, one corporal, and fifty privates wounded.
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 TWENTY-SECOND regiment led the attack in gallant style. Major John Poole commanded the brigade, and Captain F. D. George the regiment, and, stimulated by the heroic example of these officers, the TWENTY-SECOND advanced steadily against the enemy's left, exposed to a heavy fire of matchlocks, without returning a shot, until they arrived within forty paces of the entrenchment, when they stormed the position occupied by the Beloochees with that determined bravery which has ever distinguished British soldiers. Lieutenant Henry J. 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 C. T. Powell seized another standard; and the soldiers, being encouraged by the gallant example of their officers, displayed that heroism which adorns the British military character. Privates J. Doherty, C. Lynar, E. Jobin, J. McCartin, J. Walmsley, G. Roberts, E. Watson and J. Oakley, shot the defenders, and then captured fourteen standards, and made five prisoners. Privates S. Cowen, S. Alder, and G. Banbury also captured standards; and Corporal Tim. Kelly shot one of the Scindians, and took 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.
Major-General Sir Charles Napier stated in his public despatch, "The battle was decided by the troop of Horse Artillery, and Her Majesty's TWENTY-SECOND regiment.
"Of Lieutenant McMurdo's abilities as Acting Assistant Quartermaster-General, I cannot speak too highly; and regret to say, he has received a sabre wound from a Beloochee, the third that he cut down in single combat during the day.
"To the commanders of brigades and regiments, and the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates under their command, I have to return my thanks for their valiant bearing in the action."
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.[10] Among the killed was the great promoter of the war, Hoche Mahomed Seedee. Twenty-three rank and file of the regiment were killed on this occasion; Lieutenants Thomas Chute, Henry J. Coote, H. A. G. Evans, and John Brennan, Ensign Richard Pennefather, six serjeants, one drummer, four corporals, and one hundred and twenty-three privates 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.
As a mark of Royal approbation for these victories, Her Majesty, on the 4th of July, 1843, was pleased to appoint Major-General Sir Charles James Napier a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath; Lieutenant-Colonel Pennefather,[11] Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Poole, Brevet Majors Frederick George, and Thomas Conway, were also nominated Companions of the Bath, and their brevet rank was dated from the above period.
Her Majesty was also graciously pleased to command that a medal should be conferred upon the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Soldiers engaged in the battles of Meeanee and Hyderabad.
On the 18th of August, 1843, the TWENTY-SECOND received the Royal authority to bear upon the regimental or second colour, and on the appointments, the word "SCINDE," in commemoration of its distinguished gallantry in the campaign against the Ameers of that country, during the early part of the year 1843.
Her Majesty, on the 2nd of July, 1844, conferred increased honor on the TWENTY-SECOND, by authorising the corps to bear on the regimental colour and appointments, in addition to the word "SCINDE," the words "MEEANEE" and "HYDERABAD," in commemoration of the distinguished gallantry displayed in the general engagements fought at those places respectively, on the 17th of February, and 24th of March, 1843.
On the 12th of February, 1844, the thanks of Parliament were voted to Major-General Sir Charles Napier, G.C.B., and to the troops under his command, "_for the eminent skill, energy, and gallantry, displayed by him in the recent military operations in_ SCINDE, _particularly in the two decisive battles of_ MEEANEE _and_ HYDERABAD;" to the several officers serving under Sir Charles Napier, "_for their unwearied zeal and conspicuous gallantry_;" and to the troops, "_for their brave and meritorious conduct_."
Major-General Sir Charles Napier, on presenting the regiments at Kurrachee with the Medals conferred on them for their gallantry in this campaign, addressed the soldiers as follows:--
"Soldiers! the Battle of _Meeanee_ is among those of which history will speak as proving the superiority of _discipline_ over numbers; and it is well, Soldiers! that we should dwell upon these things; that we may understand how Medals are won, and why they are bestowed.
"Had we been without discipline, valour alone would not have won the victories of _Meeanee_ and _Hyderabad_! Valour is like the _Strength_ of a man, Discipline is like his _Mind_, that directs his strength to effective exertion. If two pugilists have a boxing-match, and one strikes at random, while the other boxes with science, planting every blow home, we know how the fight must be soon decided. So it is with two armies,--the one disciplined, the other without discipline. The General of the disciplined Army directs his columns upon that part of the enemy's position which he deems to be the weakest; as the mind of the boxer directs his blow against the opening offered by his unskilful enemy. But this is not all,--obedience to orders (which is discipline) enables us to bring up all the necessary provisions of war to the day and to the hour; thus food and ammunition are at hand to support the blow of battle, just as the shoulder and the body are thrown forward to support and give vigour to the blow of the pugilist. But not only is valour useless without discipline, but it is even dangerous; for without discipline the rashly brave would run heedlessly against the enemy, the cautious would seek 'vantage ground, and the timid would retreat. Thus the Army would be scattered: but when an Army is disciplined, the ponderous charges of Cavalry, the steady tramp of the advancing Infantry, preparing to charge with a mighty shout, and the rolling thunder of Artillery pouring forth its iron shower, all combine simultaneously to strike and overthrow the enemy. Thus, Soldiers, are Medals won, more by discipline than by any extraordinary efforts of individual courage. To reward this obedience medals are bestowed, so that every man who wears this honoured badge is known to the world as one who, in the midst of the noise, the danger, and confusion of battle, had obeyed orders, and performed the three great duties of a Soldier--first, not to fire without orders; next, when he does fire, to level low, so as to make sure of striking down an enemy; thirdly, to keep his rank and dress upon his colours. The Medal tells the world that he has bravely done these things, and no man can walk with one of these Medals on his breast without feeling the conscious pride of an intrepid Soldier! His caste may be high caste, or it may be low caste, but the Soldier, who bears on his breast a medal won in battle, is above all the castes in the world. The pleasure of giving you these Medals, Soldiers of the 12th Regiment (Native Infantry), is indeed great to me. I saw your valiant conduct, and I rejoice in distributing the reward which you honorably earned, and my satisfaction is increased by the presence of so large a body of Europeans, for it affords me an opportunity of saying to my countrymen that they will find these swarthy warriors of the East staunch and true in action as they were at Meeanee and Hyderabad, when they followed the example set them by the glorious TWENTY-SECOND regiment. They will fight to the last drop of their blood, and stand or fall by the side of their European comrades. If the Almighty so wills it, that in these eventful times, War should again arise, and that I am once more permitted to lead an Army into the field, I should go into action with perfect confidence in the courage of the Native Troops. I speak of what I know of their gallantry, not from what I hear, but from what I have seen, and from my own knowledge, of their daring courage.
"Here I must address myself in a more direct manner to the Officers now before me, and in justice to them say, that their conduct, and the conduct of all the British Officers in these two battles, was very noble. For several hours the two lines were fighting close to each other, and as I cast my eye along the field, I everywhere saw the British Officers display their worthiness as Military leaders, and with unflinching intrepidity animating their Soldiers to battle! To them, therefore, I will now first distribute these honorable decorations."
The Governor then dismounted, and advancing to the line of officers of several regiments, and who had not before received their medals, his Excellency presented each with the Medal,--the bands playing "God save the Queen."
On giving that which belonged to Lieutenant Marston, of the 25th N. I., the General observed,--"But for you, Marston, I probably should not have had this pleasure;" alluding to this Officer having intrepidly thrown himself in front of his General when attacked by a Beloochee Chief, whom the Lieutenant cut down ere he could reach the General.
On the 18th of April the regiment left Hyderabad, and proceeded to Kurrachee, where the right wing and head-quarters embarked on the 27th of April, and sailed to Bombay. Previously to the embarkation of the regiment for Bombay, the following order was issued by Major-General Sir Charles Napier, Governor of Scinde:--
"_27th April, 1843._
"TWENTY-SECOND Regiment!
"You well know why I send you to Bombay, and you also know how much I dislike doing so. But nothing shall stand in the way of your health and well-being, that I have the power to remove. Cut up by Disease and by Battle, you require rest, that you may again join us, and add to the Laurels with which you are already decorated.
"C. J. NAPIER, _Major-General_, _Governor_."
The reception of the regiment at Bombay, on the 2nd of May, was distinguished by high marks of honor, by command of the Governor, on which occasion the accompanying order was issued:--
"_Bombay, Monday, 1st May, 1843._
"GARRISON ORDERS.
"By the Honorable the Governor.--The Head-Quarters of Her Majesty's TWENTY-SECOND Regiment of Foot having arrived from Scinde, will be disembarked to-morrow morning at sunrise.
"On this occasion the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Garrison, desirous of paying every mark of honor to this distinguished Corps, will himself receive it at the Apollo Pier.
"On the landing of the first Division, a Royal Salute is to be fired from the Saluting Battery.