BATTLE HONOURS FOR MINOR CAMPAIGNS IN THE EAST, 1796-1857

Amboyna—Ternate—Banda—Cochin—Arabia—Bourbon—Java—Persian Gulf—Beni Boo Alli—Aden—Persia—Bushire—Reshire—Koosh-ab.

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Amboyna, 1796 and 1810.

This distinction is borne only by the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, as the lineal descendants of that most distinguished corps the 1st Madras European Regiment, which certainly has the right to bear with the Dorsets the title of "Primus in Indus."

From the earliest days of our association with the East Indies there had been mutual jealousies between the English and the Dutch merchants with regard to commerce in the Moluccas. So far back as the year 1623 the summary execution by the Dutch Governor of Amboyna of the commander of an East Indiaman nearly led to war between the two nations, and would have done so had not the States General disavowed the action of their colonial official. When Holland threw in her lot with France at the outbreak of the revolutionary wars, and granted the French fleets the hospitality of her Eastern harbours, it was determined to relieve the Dutch of these possessions.

In February, 1796, Admiral Rainier, commanding the fleet in the East Indies, sailed to Amboyna with a squadron consisting of the Suffolk (74), Centurion (50), Resistance (44), Orpheus (32), and Swift (16). The Dutch, recognizing the futility of resistance, surrendered, and Amboyna passed into our possession. The small body of troops employed on this occasion, as well as the navy, reaped a rich harvest in the shape of prize-money, the share of the Commander-in-Chief amounting to £90,000, and that of the Captains of the Royal Navy to £13,000 each. A detachment of the Madras European Regiment, under Major Vigors, was embarked on Admiral Rainier's squadron, and participated beneficially in the booty, the shares that fell to the lot of the soldiers being:

At the Peace of Amiens, Amboyna and the neighbouring islands were restored to the Dutch. In the year 1810 it was found necessary to reoccupy them, and Captain Edward Tucker, R.N., with the Doris, Cornwallis, and Samarang, embarked a detachment of 130 men of the 1st Madras European Regiment (Royal Dublin Fusiliers), with 50 men of the Royal Artillery, as well as some sepoys. Slight opposition was encountered, our losses being 3 men killed, 1 officer and 9 non-commissioned officers and men wounded. We maintained a garrison in the island until the year 1814, when by the Treaty of Paris it was once more restored to the Dutch, and the British Empire deprived of one of the richest islands in Eastern waters.

Ternate, 1801 and 1810.

This honour is borne only by the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. It commemorates one of the many little oversea expeditions which we were compelled to undertake in the course of our wars with France between the years 1793 and 1815. Ternate is one of the Molucca Islands, and then, as now, belonged to the Dutch. Its harbours, however, were open to the French fleets, and gave refuge to vessels of war and to privateers, which preyed upon our China commerce. It became necessary, therefore, to reduce the island, and in the year 1801 a combined naval and military expedition was despatched for its subjugation. The Madras troops were under the command of Colonel Burr, and they encountered a stubborn resistance. It was not until after a siege of fifty-two days that the Dutch Governor surrendered. As was our custom, on the conclusion of peace in the following year Ternate was restored to its original owners.

In the year 1810 it again became necessary to take possession of the island, and, after the capture of Amboyna, Captain Tucker, with a small detachment of artillery and of the 1st Madras European Regiment, the latter under Captain Forbes, set sail for the island. There was but slight opposition, and on August 31 Ternate once more passed into our hands, only to be restored to the Dutch under the terms of the Treaty of Paris in 1814.

The troops received a small solatium in the shape of prize-money, the share of a Captain being £270, a Subaltern £120, a sergeant £32, and a private £13.

Banda, 1796 and 1810.

This distinction was granted by the Governor of Madras to the 1st Madras European Regiment, and is now borne only by the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. It commemorates the two occupations of the Island of Banda, in the Eastern Archipelago, by a detachment of the old Madras European Regiment, the first taking place in 1796, the second in 1810. No medal was issued to the land forces engaged, but on the institution of the Naval General Service Medal in 1847 the naval commanders of the Caroline, Piedmontaise, and Barracouta were awarded the naval gold medal for the capture of the island in 1810, and distinctive bronze arm-badges, in lieu of medals, were bestowed by the Governor of Madras on the sepoys. The detachment of the 1st Madras European Regiment (now the 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers) was under the command of Captain Nixon. Their services were cordially acknowledged by Captain Coles, of H.M.S. Caroline, but the regiment does not appear to have suffered any casualties.

Arabia, 1809.

This distinction was granted to the York and Lancaster Regiment by a notification in the London Gazette in the month of March, 1823, in recognition of the gallant services of the regiment during the operations on the coast of Arabia in the years 1809 and 1821. The old 65th Regiment, as it then was, had not been fortunate enough to have been present at any of the well-known campaigns during its tour of Indian service. Nevertheless, it had been engaged in several arduous and by no means bloodless minor expeditions, in which the soldier-like qualities of a regiment are as severely tested as in campaigns which bring in their train greater honours and rewards. Such were the two expeditions for the punishment of piratical tribes on the Arabian coast.

The expedition in 1809 was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Lionel Smith, of the 65th Regiment. It was accompanied by the frigates Chiffon (Captain Wainwright) and Caroline. The military force comprised the 65th (York and Lancaster), the flank companies of the 47th (North Lancashire), and the 2nd Bombay Native Infantry, now the 103rd Mahratta Light Infantry, with a company of artillery. Nominally the pirates owned allegiance to the Sultan of Turkey, but his sovereignty was very shadowy, and as they had embraced Wahabiism they were looked upon more in the light of rebels than subjects. For years they had interfered with our commerce in the Persian Gulf, and had treated their prisoners with the refinement of cruelty. It therefore became necessary to root them out of their lair.

The little force left Bombay in the month of September, 1809, and proceeded to the pirate stronghold of Ras el Khima, on the Arabian coast. The Arabs fought bravely, but our superior armament and discipline soon told, and the fort, which had originally been built by the Portuguese more than two centuries previously, was dismantled. On December 27 the flotilla arrived at Linga, another piratical haunt, and this, too, after making a show of resistance, was destroyed. Hostages were brought to Bombay as security for the good behaviour of the tribes, and the force then returned to India, its total casualties having been:

Casualties at Beni Boo Alli, 1809.

Bourbon, July 8, 1810.[18]

This distinction has been granted to the

Welsh Regiment.
Royal Irish Rifles.
66th Punjabis.
84th Punjabis.
104th Wellesley's Rifles.

A medal was struck, by order of the Governor-General of India, for distribution to the officers and men of the Company's forces present during the expedition.

In the London Gazette of July 17, 1826, the 69th Foot (now the 2nd Welsh Regiment) was authorized to bear on its colours and appointments the word "Bourbon," in commemoration of the distinguished conduct of the regiment at the attack and capture of that island. Subsequently the same privilege was conferred on the 86th (2nd Battalion Irish Rifles).

Bourbon, now better known as Reunion, was a thorn in the side of the East India Company during our many wars with France. With Mauritius, then known as the Isle of France, it was a harbour of refuge for the many privateers which preyed upon our commerce, and a base of operations for the French fleet in Eastern waters. Its reduction became a necessity, but was from time to time deferred, until at last, in the month of September, 1809, the Governor-General, Lord Minto, despatched a force, under Colonel Keatinge, of the 56th Regiment (now the Essex), to report on the feasibility of the capture of both islands. With Keatinge was associated Commodore Josias Rowley, at the head of a squadron comprising the Raisonnable, Sirius, Boadicea, Nereide, and Otter, with the Honourable Company's cruiser Wasp. Keatinge's force consisted of his own regiment, the 56th (Essex), and the 2nd Bombay Native Infantry (now the 104th Wellesley's Rifles). A descent was made on the island, the forts at the principal port destroyed, and some French men-of-war and armed Indiamen brought away; but the force was altogether too small for Keatinge to retain possession.

In the following July, having received reinforcements, Keatinge and Rowley made a second descent. In the meantime they had occupied the Island of Rodriguez, which served as a valuable base of operations. In addition to the Essex and the Bombay Regiment, Keatinge now had the 69th (2nd Welsh), the 86th (2nd Irish Rifles), and the 6th and 12th Regiments of Madras Infantry (now the 66th and 84th Punjabis); and this force was strengthened by a naval brigade of seamen and Marines from the ships, the total numbering about 3,600 men. The French garrison made some show of resistance, but after a sharp engagement the Governor, seeing himself cut off from all hope of aid, surrendered, and until the conclusion of peace in 1814 Bourbon remained in our possession, Colonel Keatinge being installed as Governor, and a regiment being raised from the Creole inhabitants, which was borne on the rolls of our army as the Bourbon Regiment.

Casualties at the Capture of the Island of Bourbon, 1810.

Casualties at the Attack on the Island in 1809.

The Essex Regiment, by its participation in both descents on the island, seem to have some claim to this distinction.

Java, 1811.

This battle honour is borne on the colours of the

West Yorkshire.
East Lancashire.
Welsh.
Seaforth Highlanders.
Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Governor-General's Bodyguard.
2nd Queen's Own Sappers and Miners.

The expedition was under the command of General Sir Samuel Auchmuty, but the Governor-General of India, Lord Minto, himself accompanied the troops, in order to arrange for the civil administration of the Dutch islands, several of which, as I have shown, had already fallen into our hands.

The troops selected comprised two Madras and one Bengal division, and were brigaded as follows:

The Bengal division was under the command of Major-General J. S. Wood, and consisted of the Governor-General's Bodyguard, the 1st Battalion of the Bengal Native Infantry, and five battalions of sepoys, who had volunteered from the whole of the regiments of the Bengal army, and who were designated as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Regiments of Bengal Volunteers. On the force being broken up, these men returned to their own regiments, receiving the medal which the Governor-General caused to be struck for the expedition, and so it comes about that, with the exception of the Bodyguard and the Madras Sappers, no native corps bears the distinction "Java" on its colours.

A powerful fleet, under the command of Admiral the Hon. R. Stopford, convoyed the transports. It comprised the following vessels:

Commander-in-Chief: Rear-Admiral the Hon. R. Stopford.
Commodore: W. R. Broughton.

Honourable East India Company's Cruisers.

and fifty-seven transports carrying troops.

The total strength of the expeditionary force amounted to 5,344 British and 5,770 native troops. On August 4 the troops disembarked at a place called Chillingcherry, some ten miles east of the capital, meeting with no opposition; but on the 10th the advanced brigade, under Gillespie, a most dashing officer, who had distinguished himself greatly in the West Indies, had a sharp encounter with the French, who were driven back, our casualties amounting to 90 killed and wounded. On the 20th the siege of Fort Cornelis was commenced, the Admiral landing a naval brigade and some heavy guns to aid in the operations. On the 26th the fort was carried by assault, Gillespie again distinguishing himself, pursuing the beaten enemy with the 22nd Light Dragoons for a distance of thirty-five miles, capturing 2 general, 30 field, and 214 other officers; 280 guns and 6,000 prisoners fell into our hands as a consequence of this bold attack, and the operations were brought to a conclusion by the unconditional surrender of the island. Gillespie, who was left in command on the departure of the Governor-General, experienced some difficulty in inducing the natives to learn submission, and a number of expeditions were necessary ere peace was fully restored. On the institution of the Land General Service Medal in 1847, the survivors of the expedition received that medal with a clasp inscribed "Java." The Governor-General, on his own initiative, at the conclusion of the operations, bestowed gold medals on field officers and silver medals on all other ranks; but the privilege of wearing these was confined to officers and men in the service of the East India Company.

Casualties in the Expedition to Java, 1811.

Persian Gulf, 1819.

This distinction is borne only by the 121st Pioneers, formerly the Bombay Marine Battalion, and was awarded to that regiment by the order of the Governor of Bombay in Council as a recognition of its services when employed under Sir W. Grant Keir in the destruction of the piratical strongholds in the Persian Gulf in the year 1819. A previous expedition had been undertaken against the same tribes in the year 1809, when Sir Lionel Smith, with the 65th (York and Lancasters), the 47th (North Lancashire), and the 2nd Bombay Infantry had taught the pirates that they could not attack vessels flying the English flag with impunity. For some years the hot bloods of the Arabian coast abstained from exercising their predatory habits, but in the year 1817 they plundered several vessels, massacring their crews. The vessels of the East India Squadron had more than one sharp tussle with the pirates, but these were always able to escape to their lairs, where the seamen were unable to follow them. It was determined in 1819 to despatch a second expedition against the Joassma, the offending tribe. The command was entrusted to Major-General Sir W. Grant Keir, an officer who had conducted more than one successful campaign in Cutch and against other recalcitrant petty potentates. The troops selected were the 65th (York and Lancaster Regiment), and the flank companies of the 47th (Loyal North Lancashires). These two corps had been associated in the previous expedition in the year 1809. In addition to the British contingent, the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Bombay Native Infantry (now the 103rd Mahratta Light Infantry), the 11th Marine Battalion (now the 121st Pioneers), and the flank companies of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Bombay Infantry (now the 105th Mahratta Light Infantry), also accompanied the force, which was convoyed by H.M.S. Liverpool and several of the Honourable East India Company's cruisers.

The whole force assembled at the Island of Larrack, in the Persian Gulf, on November 24, and the General at once proceeded in the Liverpool to Ras-el-Khima, the pirates' stronghold, where he made a careful reconnaissance. Attempts were made through the Imaum of Muscat to open negotiations with the chief of the Joassma tribe, but to these he returned a defiant reply. The General thereupon sent for the transports, and on December 3 the whole force disembarked unopposed. It was evident that the fort had been considerably strengthened since 1809, and the General borrowed some 24-pounders from the Liverpool in order to construct and arm his shore batteries. Whilst the siege operations were in progress, the Arabs made more than one determined sortie; but when the bombardment commenced in earnest, they made but a feeble reply. This is scarcely to be wondered at. Their guns were all of small calibre, and the Liverpool claimed that she had thrown upwards of 1,200 32 and 24 pound shot into the place in twenty-four hours.

On the evening of December 9 the breach was declared practicable, but when the storming-parties approached the place at dawn on the 10th it was found deserted. Information was received through the Imaum of Muscat that the Arabs had retreated to another stronghold farther inland. The General then re-embarked a portion of his force, and proceeded up the coast to Rhams, which also was found to be abandoned; but here it was ascertained that the tribes were still defiant, and were massed in a hill fort of Zaya, some miles inland. The two British corps, with the artillery, were at once despatched to destroy this work, and on the 18th of the month Sir Grant Keir was able to report to Government the destruction of all the piratical strongholds and the submission of their chiefs.

The expedition had been attended with some loss, but the official report of the casualties in the Bombay Gazette tends to show that these fell on the British, and not on the native, corps engaged. The York and Lancaster Regiment have been accorded the distinction "Arabia" as a recognition of their services; but the 47th (Loyal North Lancashires), although they were twice employed with the 56th on the by no means pleasing duty of chastising Arab pirates, have not as yet been permitted to add the word "Arabia" to the other battle honours which are embroidered on their colours.

Casualties during the Expedition to the Persian Gulf in 1819.

Considerable booty was found, and the sum of £38,958 was remitted to England by the prize agents for distribution amongst the men of the 47th (North Lancashire) and 65th (York and Lancaster) Regiments.[19]

Beni Boo Alli, March, 1821.

This distinction is borne by the

Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
103rd Mahratta Light Infantry.
104th Wellesley's Rifles.
105th Mahratta Light Infantry.
107th Pioneers.
113th Infantry.
121st Pioneers.

It was awarded to these regiments by the Governor of Bombay for their gallant services in destroying the strongholds of Arab pirates in the Persian Gulf. The 65th Regiment (York and Lancasters) was also employed in the same service, but it does not bear the honour.

The expedition was under the command of Major-General Lionel Smith, who, as a Lieutenant-Colonel, had carried through successfully a previous expedition in the year 1809.

On this occasion his force comprised the 65th (York and Lancasters), the 1st Bombay European Battalion (now the 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers), the 1st Battalion of the 7th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, and the flank companies of the 1st Battalion of the 2nd, 2nd Battalion of the 2nd, 1st Battalion of the 3rd, and 1st Battalion of the 4th Regiments of Bombay Native Infantry, with the Bombay Marine Battalion (121st Pioneers), together with 200 Bombay artillerymen. H.M.S. Topaze, Liverpool, Eden, and Curlew also accompanied the force.

The Arabs were in a most defiant mood. They had inflicted a severe defeat on a native force which had been sent against them a short time previously. This force had been driven back, with a loss of nearly 400 sepoys killed, whilst five British officers were amongst the slain. Sir Lionel Smith's force landed without opposition under cover of the guns of the fleet, and on March 2 the stronghold of the Joassma tribe was carried, after a sharp fight. The Imaum of Muscat now endeavoured to induce the tribes to come to terms, but on the 10th they made a most determined attack on our camp. In this they were worsted, but our losses were considerable, the 1st Bombay Fusiliers and the 7th Regiment of Bombay Sepoys (now the 113th) suffering severely. The destruction of their forts and vessels by the fleet soon reduced the Arabs to reason, and they agreed to send hostages to Bombay for their future good behaviour. Our casualties during this expedition were as follows:

Casualties at Beni Boo Alli.

Aden, 1839.

This distinction is borne by the

Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
121st Pioneers.
124th Baluchistan Infantry.

It commemorates the expedition which transferred the sovereignty of the well-known coaling-station to the East India Company. So far back as the year 1799 an expedition from Bombay had occupied the Island of Perim, at the entrance of the Red Sea, and during the expedition to Egypt in the year 1801 we had a garrison on that inhospitable little islet. At the close of the war with France the garrison was withdrawn. With the advent of steam it became evident that the real route to India would be by the Red Sea, and the value of Aden as a coaling-station was borne on the minds of the Government of our great dependency. Commodore Haines, of the Indian Marine, an officer of exceptional attainments, was entrusted with the task of carrying on the necessary negotiations with the Arab ruler of Aden, and in the year 1835, in return for a cash subsidy and a promise of British protection, we became virtual rulers of the place. Disputes soon arose. The neighbouring chiefs disapproved of the action of the chief with whom we had negotiated, and in the year 1838 it became evident that it would be necessary for us to maintain a garrison there in order to assert our supremacy. No resistance was anticipated, and the force sent was small. It consisted of a wing of the 1st Bombay Fusiliers (now the Royal Dublin Fusiliers) and the 24th Bombay Native Infantry, the whole under Major T. M. Bailie, of the latter regiment. Two ships of the Royal Navy, the Volage and Cruiser, and a squadron of the Indian Marine also participated in the affair. On these were embarked the present 121st Pioneers, then known as the Bombay Marine Battalion.

On the arrival of the expedition at Aden, the Arabs declined to allow the troops to land or to supply them with either food or water. The works were then shelled, and under cover of this fire the troops disembarked and occupied the town, which had been abandoned, the Arabs having taken refuge in one of the forts, from which a white flag was displayed. After a little parleying, these men surrendered; but in the act of disarming them a regrettable incident occurred, in which we lost some sixteen men killed and wounded; otherwise, with the exception of one midshipman, who was hurt in the landing, Aden was acquired without bloodshed.

In the month of November following a half-hearted attempt was made to recapture the place. This was repulsed without loss, and in May, 1840, a second attempt was also repulsed. Since then our hold on Aden has been unchallenged, though on more than one occasion we have been compelled to undertake expeditions against the tribes in the hinterland, none of which, however, have been deemed of sufficient importance for special mention. Indeed, with so many hard-fought actions unrecorded, one is tempted to ask how comes it that the name "Aden" has been selected for a battle honour.

Persia, 1856-57.

This distinction is borne by the

14th Hussars.
North Staffords.
Durham Light Infantry.
Seaforth Highlanders.
33rd Queen's Own Light Cavalry.
34th Poona Horse.
35th Scinda Horse.
2nd Queen's Own Sappers and Miners.
3rd Sappers and Miners.
104th Wellesley's Rifles.
120th Rajputana Infantry.
123rd Outram's Rifles.
126th Baluchistan Infantry.
129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis.

It recognizes the services of a force which was employed in Persia during the winter 1856-57, in a campaign for which no less than four battle honours were granted. The army was commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram, K.C.B., an officer of the Bombay army, who was affectionately termed the Bayard of India. His force was organized as follows:

The casus belli may be summed up in one word—Herat. That city had long been considered the key of India, and when, early in 1856, the Persians captured it from the Afghans, we insisted on its restoration. On this being refused, it was determined to compel acceptance of our demands. Sir James Outram, who had been nominated to the chief command, was on his way from England, and, in order to lose no time, the First Division of the expeditionary force, under General Stalker, accompanied by a powerful squadron of vessels belonging to the Indian Marine, left Bombay on November 9 for the Persian Gulf. On December 5 the fleet bombarded the fortifications of Bushire, and the following day the troops disembarked unopposed.

No casualties were incurred either at the bombardment of Bushire or at the landing of the troops. It was a very cheaply won battle honour.

Bushire, December 5, 1856.

The following regiments have been authorized to bear this battle honour for the bombardment of Bushire:

North Stafford.
Durham Light Infantry.
33rd Queen's Own Light Cavalry.
34th P.A.V.O. Poona Horse.
3rd Sappers and Miners.
104th Wellesley's Rifles.
120th Rajputana Infantry.
129th P.W.O. Baluchis.

Reshire, December 7, 1856.

This battle honour is borne on the colours of the

North Staffords.
Durham Light Infantry.
34th Poona Horse.
33rd Queen's Own Light Cavalry.
3rd Sappers and Miners.
104th Wellesley's Rifles.
120th Rajputana Infantry.
129th Baluchis.

On December 5 the first division of the Persian Expeditionary Force had disembarked in the near neighbourhood of the fortified city of Bushire. The Persians were holding an old redoubt which dated from the days of the Dutch occupation. Unfortunately, General Stalker made no attempt to shell the work, and when, in the early morning of December 7, the brigade carried it by assault, the 64th (North Staffords) and 104th Bombay Rifles were met by a well-sustained fire, which, however, died away as they neared the parapet. The Colonel of the 64th—Stopford—who was in command of the brigade, was shot dead as he led the men over the breastwork, and the 104th lost two officers mortally wounded. With this insignificant loss, the formidable work was carried, and on the following day the Governor of Bushire, thinking he had done enough for honour, surrendered the fortifications of the city to the General. The whole brigade now took up its position close to Bushire, to await the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief with the remainder of the army.

Casualties at the Action of Reshire, December 7, 1856.

Koosh-ab, February 8, 1857.

This battle honour is borne on the colours and appointments of the

North Staffords.
Durham Light Infantry.
Seaforth Highlanders.
33rd Queen's Own Light Cavalry.
34th Poona Horse.
3rd Sappers and Miners.
104th Wellesley's Rifles.
120th Rajputana Infantry.
126th Baluchis.
129th Baluchis.

It recognizes the services of these regiments at the action of Koosh-ab, during the Persian campaign under Sir James Outram. The Persian infantry, which had been trained by British officers, were well handled, and actually threw themselves into square when threatened by our cavalry. These squares were broken by the 3rd Bombay Cavalry (now the 33rd Queen's Own Light Cavalry), and two officers obtained the Victoria Cross for their conduct on this occasion. Sir James Outram, who had a keen eye for personal gallantry, recommended no less than ten members of the regiment for this much-prized decoration, including some of the native ranks. The casualties which I append below show that the Persians evinced little determination, or else their shooting did not reflect much credit on their training:

The other regiments present suffered no loss.

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