THE GWALIOR CAMPAIGN.

Maharajpore and Punniar, December 29, 1843.

These two general actions, fought on the same day, recall one of the shortest campaigns on record—a campaign forced unwillingly on the Government of India by the truculent conduct of the military oligarchy in the Mahratta State of Gwalior. This spirit was no doubt intensified by the feeling—or, rather, by the hope—that, owing to our recent disasters in Afghanistan, the British would be unwilling to trust to the arbitrament of the sword.

"Maharajpore" is borne on the colours of the

16th Lancers.
Dorsetshire.
East Lancashires.
Governor-General's Bodyguard.
3rd Skinner's Horse.
2nd Q.O. Rajput Light Infantry.
6th Jat Light Infantry.
12th Khelat-i-Ghilzai.

"Punniar" on the colours of the

9th Lancers.
Buffs.
Royal West Kent.
6th P.W.O. Cavalry.

On the refusal of the Gwalior Council of Regency to disband their army, which was a standing menace to the peace of our North-West Frontier, the Governor-General determined to undertake the task of that disbandment himself. A large camp of exercise was therefore formed at Agra, under the direct superintendence of Sir Hugh Gough, the Commander-in-Chief; and a second force was assembled at Jhansi, under General Sir George Grey. The former force is responsible for the victory of Maharajpore, the latter for that of Punniar.

Sir Hugh Gough's army was composed of one cavalry and three infantry divisions:

Cavalry Brigade—Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell: 16th Lancers, the Bodyguard, and four native cavalry regiments.

First Infantry Brigade—Major-General Sir John Littler: 39th Regiment (Dorsets) and 56th Bengal Infantry.

Second Infantry Brigade—Major-General Valliant: 40th Regiment (South Lancashires), 2nd and 16th Bengal Infantry.

Third Infantry Brigade—Brigadier-General Stacey: 14th, 31st, and 45th Bengal Infantry.

The plan of attack was simple, and one which has been invariably successful against an Oriental foe. The Mahrattas were found holding a strong position around the village of Maharajpore. The Commander-in-Chief ordered Sir John Littler, with his own and the Second Cavalry Brigade, to make a direct attack on the enemy's position, covered by a heavy artillery fire, Stacey's brigade being held in reserve. At the same time Sir Joseph Thackwell, with the First Cavalry Brigade and Valliant's infantry, turned the enemy's left. The Gwalior troops made a very determined resistance, but if they thought that the disasters in Afghanistan were in any way due to deterioration on the part of the British army, they were woefully disillusioned. Littler found the Gwalior troops holding a series of entrenched positions, from which they were successively driven at the point of the bayonet, not without heavy loss, our total casualties being 36 officers and 750 men killed and wounded.

Casualties at the Battle of Maharajpore, December 29, 1843.

Regiments.Officers.Men.
K.W.K.W.
16th Lancers--27
39th Dorset11029174
40th S. Lancs-823151
Governor-General's Bodyguard----
2nd Q.O.L.I.-1316
Bengal Artillery1-636
Bengal Engrs.----
6th Jat Light Infantry--14
12th Pioneers (Khelat-i-Ghilzai Regt.)--27

On the same day General Grey found another division of the Gwalior army entrenched at Punniar. On this occasion our losses amounted to 35 killed and 182 wounded, our trophies to twenty-four guns. The result of the two engagements was the destruction of the military power of Gwalior.

Casualties at the Battle of Punniar.

Regiments.Officers.Men.
K.W.K.W.
9th Lancers----
The Buffs131056
Roy. W. Kent11832
6th K.E. Cav.--13

[CHAPTER XVIII]

BATTLE HONOURS FOR THE CONQUEST OF THE PUNJAB

Moodkee—Ferozeshah—Aliwal—Sobraon—Chillianwallah—Multan—Goojerat—Punjab.