1886: Burma
In July, 1886, the Battalion, which was then at Vizianagram, was ordered to embark for active service in Burma, and crossed the frontier on August 1st. The 16th formed part of the 3rd Brigade, Upper Burma Field Force, under Brigadier-General Anderson, and was employed in various parts of Upper Burma, chiefly on detachment, and took part in much desultory fighting.
During the campaign the following casualties were incurred: 1 British officer killed and 1 wounded, 5 other ranks killed and 3 wounded. In 1887, 61 non-commissioned officers and men died of disease; total deaths from this cause on service were 102.
The battle honour of “Burma, 1885-87” was granted for this campaign.
1888.
In February, 1888, the Battalion went into garrison at Mandalay until March, 1889, when it returned to India and was stationed at Secunderabad.
1895.
1900.
1903.
The Battalion again proceeded to Burma in 1895, being stationed at Rangoon until December, 1898, when it returned to India and was stationed at Berhampore. There it remained until January, 1900, when it embarked for Singapore, in relief of British troops who had been sent to South Africa. Returning to India in November, 1901, the Battalion was stationed at Madras until May 16th, 1903, when it was transferred to Secunderabad to be reconstituted as a Punjab regiment with the designation “76th Punjabis.” Thus, after an honourable existence of more than 130 years, the Battalion ceased to exist as a purely Madras Battalion.