CHAPTER III

“AVA”

[Sidenote: 1800.]

During the next few years the Battalion was employed in settling the country and subduing refractory chiefs, and so did not take part in the Mahratta War under Sir Arthur Wellesley.

In 1824 its designation was changed to the 16th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry.

[Sidenote: 1824.]

Until March, 1824, the Battalion was on ordinary garrison duty in various parts of Mysore and the Nizam’s dominions, when it embarked for service in Burma and joined the force assembling at Chittagong for the conquest of the province of Arracan.

[Sidenote: 1825: “Ava.”]

[Sidenote: Battle of Arracan.]

The force marched in February, 1825, and after great hardships arrived in front of the principal Burmese outpost at Mahattee. A detachment of the Battalion was employed on board the flotilla accompanying the force and was present at the repulse at Chanballa. The main force took the advanced Burmese positions on March 26th and 27th and halted upon the enemy’s main position covering the town of Arracan on the 28th. On the 29th the assault was carried out by the light companies of the 54th Foot, 10th and 16th Madras Native Infantry, supported by six companies of the Battalion under Captain French. The assault went forward in spite of the steepness of the ascent, and the well-directed fire of the enemy. The leading men got their hands on the trench, but were unable to maintain their position owing to the incessant shower of large stones. Nevertheless, the attack was maintained until Captain French had been killed and every other officer wounded, when the troops were recalled. The force had lost 28 killed and 114 wounded, of which the Regiment had Captain French and 10 other ranks killed and Lieutenants Luard, White, and Gledstanes and 31 other ranks wounded.

Batteries were constructed, and at 11.30 p.m. on the 30th an assault was carried out, which was entirely successful, and the city was occupied the next day.

A force consisting of the light companies of the 44th and 54th Foot and of the 16th Madras Native Infantry, and four companies of the 1st Bengal Light Infantry Battalion, marched in May, 1825, to endeavour to find a route across to the Irrawaddi River, by which the force at Arracan could join hands with the main army from Rangoon. After terrible hardships they were forced to return, nearly every man being sick. The unhealthiness of the country may be judged by the fact that on October 1st, 1825, the Battalion only had 108 men fit for duty and 644 sick. Between June 16th, 1824, and January 31st, 1826, the Battalion lost by death 7 officers, 5 native officers, and 148 other ranks and 15 followers. Some Battalions did not have a single man available for duty.

The expedition had been successful in the conquest of the province of Arracan, but failed in its principal object, that of penetrating to the valley of the Irrawaddy.

The troops were withdrawn later, the Battalion landing in Madras in January, 1826, and proceeding to Vellore.

The battle honour “Ava” was granted for services in this campaign.

[Sidenote: 1830.]

In 1830 the 16th was one of the Battalions selected to have a rifle company, on the disbandment of the Madras Rifle Corps.

[Sidenote: 1839: Capture of Kurnool.]

[Sidenote: 1843.]

[Sidenote: 1844: Operations in the Sawunt Warree.]

From 1826 to 1839 the Battalion was employed in the ordinary routine of garrison duty in various parts of the Madras Presidency and Hyderabad State. In the latter year it formed part of the force under Major-General Wilson for the reduction of the fort and petty sovereignty of Kurnool. This having been effected, the Battalion was left to garrison the fortress until 1843, when it was ordered to Belgaum in the Southern Mahratta country, to replace the Bombay troops employed in the conquest of Scinde. While stationed there, the Rifle Company greatly distinguished itself in the Light Field Force under Major-General Delamotte, employed in suppressing the insurgents in the Sawunt Warree country, and took part in the capture of several forts.

[Sidenote: 1845.]

[Sidenote: Action of Sasseedroog.]

Privates Cotapah and Veerapah were awarded the Third Class of the Order of Merit, which had just been instituted, for distinguished conduct at the unsuccessful attack on the stockade in the Pass of Sasseedroog. The former was also presented with a gold medal by the City of Perth for protecting and bringing off the body of Lieutenant Campbell of the Bombay European Light Infantry. Private Hyder Ally Khan was also admitted to the Third Class Indian Order of Merit for distinguished gallantry, while Lieutenant Francis Mardale received the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief and Government of Bombay.

[Sidenote: 1855.]

The Battalion was on garrison duty in various parts of the Bombay Presidency and Southern India until 1853, when it proceeded to Aden, returning to India in 1855.