AMBOOR

The distinction commemorates the gallant defence of the Fort of Amboor, in the Carnatic, by a force under the command of Captain Calvert, of the Madras army, when closely besieged by Hyder Ali's army in the year 1767. Calvert's garrison consisted of a sergeant's party of the old 1st Madras European Regiment, now the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, one company of the 4th Madras Infantry, and the headquarters of the 10th Madras Infantry, some 500 strong. On November 15, five days after Hyder Ali's batteries opened fire, Calvert was compelled to abandon the lower fort, owing to the severity of the bombardment and the fact that the siege batteries commanded his outworks. He held the upper fort until the advance of the main army, under Colonel Smith, on December 10, compelled Hyder Ali to withdraw. In recognition of the steady gallantry displayed by the 10th Madras Infantry, it was officially designated the Amboor Regiment, and was authorized to carry a third colour, recording the defence of Amboor. Its casualties during the siege amounted to a native officer and 11 men killed and 23 men wounded. The 10th Gurkhas, which is the lineal descendant of the old 10th Madras Native Infantry, has not yet been authorized to assume this battle honour.