CHAPTER III
“AVA”
1800.
During the next few years the Battalion was employed in settling the country and subduing refractory chiefs, and so did not take part in the Mahratta War under Sir Arthur Wellesley.
In 1824 its designation was changed to the 16th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry.
1824.
Until March, 1824, the Battalion was on ordinary garrison duty in various parts of Mysore and the Nizam’s dominions, when it embarked for service in Burma and joined the force assembling at Chittagong for the conquest of the province of Arracan.
1825: “Ava.”
Battle of Arracan.
The force marched in February, 1825, and after great hardships arrived in front of the principal Burmese outpost at Mahattee. A detachment of the Battalion was employed on board the flotilla accompanying the force and was present at the repulse at Chanballa. The main force took the advanced Burmese positions on March 26th and 27th and halted upon the enemy’s main position covering the town of Arracan on the 28th. On the 29th the assault was carried out by the light companies of the 54th Foot, 10th and 16th Madras Native Infantry, supported by six companies of the Battalion under Captain French. The assault went forward in spite of the steepness of the ascent, and the well-directed fire of the enemy. The leading men got their hands on the trench, but were unable to maintain their position owing to the incessant shower of large stones. Nevertheless, the attack was maintained until Captain French had been killed and every other officer wounded, when the troops were recalled. The force had lost 28 killed and 114 wounded, of which the Regiment had Captain French and 10 other ranks killed and Lieutenants Luard, White, and Gledstanes and 31 other ranks wounded.
Batteries were constructed, and at 11.30 p.m. on the 30th an assault was carried out, which was entirely successful, and the city was occupied the next day.