THE TWENTY FOURTH REGIMENT.

Kumara Times, Issue 818, 15 May 1879, Page 4

THE TWENTY FOURTH REGIMENT.

The following letter appears in the London Times :- Sir, —The late most unfortunate affair in Natal, in which the 24th Regiment suffered so fearfully, has recalled the recollection of the terrible loss that regiment sustained 30 years ago at the battle of Chillianwallah, on January 13, 1849. It has been alluded to in different papers, though in none that I have seen correctly, but in rather an apologetic tone. If mentioned at all, it is only just to the memory of those who fell and to the survivors that it should be done correctly. The 24th Regiment advanced against the strongest position of the Sikhs, which was defended by 20 guns, about 6000 infantry in position behind the guns, and hordes of cavalry all ready for them if they forced the position. The regiment had to encounter the most difficult ground in their advance through a jungle, with bnsb.es, stumps, trees, and water; but though in these circumstances it was impossible to bring up the regiment in line to the guns, yet still it pressed on under a most terrific fire from round shot, grape, and musketry, and carried the guns at the point of the bayonet, but with awful loss. The two lieutenantcolonels and the senior-major were killed, the junior major most dangerously wounded; all the captains, with one exception, either killed or wounded. The officer unhurt, being lame, rode into action; the reins were cut in : his hand and a piece taken out of the neck of bis horse by a round shot. Altogether there were 13 officers killed and 10 wounded out of 32; and of the non-commissioned officers and men, 497 were killed and wounded. The regiment was unsupported by either of the native infantry regiments brigaded with them, or by artillery or cavalry. They were unable to hold the position so bravely won, and were forced to retire. Had they not done bo they must have been annihilated. Sir Colin Campbell, afterwards Lord Clyde, who commanded the division, said the day after the battle to the officer in temporary command of the regiment that it had been sent to do impossibilities, and had accomplished as much as any human beings could do; and in the account he afterwards published of the part his division had taken in the battle, he says :—" The regiment displayed a devotion to duty which has been rarely equalled, and never surpassed. It is impossible for any troops to have surpassed her Majesty's 24th Foot in the gallantry displayed at the assault." The loss of the colors has been alluded to—one color was lost through the obstinate gallantry of the soldier who brought it off the field after the ensigns who defended it were killed. This man, who held the Queen's color wrapped round his arm, was mortally wounded, but refused to give it up to any of his comrades. When the regiment emerged from the jungle this man was missing. It is believed that the color fell into the hands of the camp followers or villagers, as Shere Singh did not display it among his trophies. lam not a military man, but one who takes a deep interest in the name and fame of the 24th Regiment, and who has sad reason to remember the battle of Chillianwallah.