Volume: 18, No: 10 ; October-2024

This event took place on November 16th, 1857, and it was the 93rd in India.

The history of the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders and of Britain as a whole was significantly impacted by the First War of Independence, also referred to as the Indian Mutiny or the Indian Uprising. India served as the center of the British Empire, and changes there had an effect on British trade and establishment. A common misconception is that the Uprising began when new cartridges lubricated with animal fat were introduced. These cartridges violated the religious beliefs of the native soldiers, or “sepoys.” This may have been the catalyst, but a growing suspicion of Britain and its intentions in India preceded it. The idea that British rule was trying to eradicate indigenous religions and the caste system led to a rise in mistrust of the authority held by the East India Company.

On September 20, 1857, the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, diverted from their duties in China, landed in Calcutta. After that, they traveled 600 miles to Cawnpore. Rebels had massacred a large number of people in Cawnpore one month earlier; they then took refuge in the Governor’s Residence in Lucknow.

To liberate those under siege in the Residency, the 934-man Regiment assembled on November 14 south of Lucknow. The main attack began at six a.m. on November 16 against the Sikandar Bagh, a large mansion with a walled garden. The Sikandar Bagh was a vital site for the sepoys. The soldiers of the 93rd eventually succeeded in breaching the wall after more than an hour. Intense, close-quarters combat characterized by extreme violence on both sides ensued. Three o’clock was the end of the operation.

Six members of the 93rd were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions on November 16, 1857. Queen Victoria instituted this new award in 1856 for bravery “in the presence of the enemy,” and it was first presented in June of 1857. Because the day’s activities started early, there’s a common misconception that all six VCs were earned “before breakfast.”

1. Captain William George Drummond Stewart
   “For outstanding bravery in leading an assault and seizing two guns in Lucknow, securing the position of the mess house.”
2. Private Peter Grant
   “For extraordinary bravery on a personal level at the Sikandar Bagh, where he killed five enemy assailants trying to pursue Lieutenant Colonel Ewart while the latter was removing a captured color.”
3. Private David Mackay
   “After facing extremely stubborn resistance at the Sikandar Bagh in Lucknow, for great personal gallantry in capturing an enemy’s color.” Later, during the Shah Najaf’s capture, he suffered serious injuries.
4. Lance Corporal John Dunley
   Because he was the first person to enter one of the breaches in the Sikandar Bagh at Lucknow on November 16, 1857, with Captain Burroughs, whom he bravely backed up against overwhelming odds.
5. Colour Sergeant James Munro
   For selfless bravery at the Sikandar Bagh, where he swiftly raced to save Captain Walsh of the same Corps from certain death after he was wounded. He transported Walsh to a safe haven, where the Sergeant was brought in moments later with serious injuries.
6. Sergeant John Paton
   “For outstanding bravery at Lucknow when circling the Shah Najaf in the face of intense fire and finding a breach on the other side, to which he subsequently led the Regiment, enabling the taking of that crucial position.”

Credits : The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum

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