1845.
Action of Sasseedroog.
Privates Cotapah and Veerapah were awarded the Third Class of the Order of Merit, which had just been instituted, for distinguished conduct at the unsuccessful attack on the stockade in the Pass of Sasseedroog. The former was also presented with a gold medal by the City of Perth for protecting and bringing off the body of Lieutenant Campbell of the Bombay European Light Infantry. Private Hyder Ally Khan was also admitted to the Third Class Indian Order of Merit for distinguished gallantry, while Lieutenant Francis Mardale received the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief and Government of Bombay.
1855.
The Battalion was on garrison duty in various parts of the Bombay Presidency and Southern India until 1853, when it proceeded to Aden, returning to India in 1855.
CHAPTER IV
1857: “BURMA”—76th PUNJABIS
1857: The Mutiny.
Battle of Azimghur.
On the outbreak of the Mutiny of the Bengal Army in 1857, the Battalion volunteered for service against the mutineers and was thanked by the Government. The Rifle Company under Lieutenants Bates and Gray formed part of the Madras Rifles, commanded by Major Carr, of the 16th. The Company took part in several actions, notably that at Azimghur on April 6th, 1858, up to the end of the Mutiny. The Company rejoined Battalion headquarters at Hurryhur in April, 1860.