Arcot.—A fort in the Carnatic held by Clive. By making it a stronghold he was able to draw Dupleix from the hard pressed garrison in Trinchinopoly, and thus relieve, in a measure, its vicissitudes.
Arroyo dos Molinos.—One of the lesser engagements in the Peninsular War, in which the Border Regiment outflanked a French regiment and took prisoners the men of a whole battalion.
Ashantee, 1873–4.—The Dutch gave to the British all their rights in this country in exchange for territory in Sumatra. The native king raised certain objections and also treated British missionaries in a cruel manner. Human sacrifices were among his abominable practices. When the British Government demanded that he should rule decently, he declared war.
Atbara.—A prelude to the Battle of Omdurman, fought against the Dervishes on Good Friday, 1898.
Ava.—Near this town the last fighting in the first Burmese War took place. (February, 1826).
Badajoz.—A strong fortress in Spain taken by us from the French, by assault, during the Peninsular War, 1812.
Badara.—A British victory which terminated Dutch influence in India.
Balaklava.—(October 26th, 1854). A battle in the Crimean War resulting from Mentschikoff’s attempt to get to the coast and so cut off the British from their base. Noted for the stand of the “thin red line,” i.e., 93rd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and the desperate charges of the “Heavy and Light” Brigades of Cavalry.
Banda.—Islands in the Malay Archipelago which have been twice taken from the Dutch and twice restored to them.
Barrosa.—(March 5th, 1811). A battle in the Peninsular War in which we suffered serious losses owing to the incapacity of the Spanish general, La Peña. His army looked on while 4,000 British defeated 9,000 French.