Always nice when researching to come across accounts of gallantry and mutual respect between Sikh and British soldiers.Here s one of the more memorable ones of a lone Sikh gunner manning a gun during the Battle of Gujrat. This was written by a soldier of HM24th who were marching towards Burra Kalra village in front of Gujrat and who hoped the Sikh gunner would escape death. On the smoke clearing away, it was seen that of the eight Sikh guns, seven were dismounted, the eighth being untouched. Round after round was ineffectually fired at this single gun, which could not be silenced. It continued to play steadily on our line, even when we had advanced up to grape distance. The gunners serving it were gradually either killed or wounded, or had retired, until at last only one fine old Sikh artilleryman was left. Single handed, he persisted. I must mention that the Sikhs were accustomed to stop the vent with a heavy damp sand bag, not as we do with the thumb, hence his ability to work alone. He fired several rounds on our advancing line, himself the target for shot, shell and musketry. When our men were getting very close, he hurriedly attempted to ram down a charge, possibly belonging to one of the dismounted guns, and too large for his, as it jammed in the bore, and rendered the gun useless. Seeing this, he turned towards our advancing force, made a profound salaam, and then walked quietly away, as if he were on his own parade ground. Our men observing his marvellous coolness, could scarce forbear from cheering him. I hope sincerely that the fine old boy lived for many years afterwards to tell the tale. It would have been a thousand pities had this gallant gunner been killed. The daring deed was done just in front of the 24th regiment.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 19:56:19 +0000
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