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Principal George Schilling of La Martiniere College

Volume: 18, No: 05 ; May-2024

At La Martiniere College for Boys, Lucknow, the favorite pastime of the younger students during break time is to ascend the three cannons located on the eastern side of the campus.

These cannons stand out as the most notable emblems of La Martiniere’s martial heritage. However, what is not widely known is that this institution might be the sole educational facility in the world to receive a battle honor.

During the 1857 siege of Lucknow, the headmaster guided 67 students, six teachers, and the resident superintendent to protect the Residency against the rebel forces. This could be the earliest recorded instance in its history of British authorities enlisting schoolboys for military duties.

Just ten days after the May 10 uprising in Meerut, the commissioner took over the Residency and placed troops in several European locales, La Martiniere among them. Principal George Schilling relocated the entire school to Constantia, the principal building of the Martiniere complex, and strengthened its defenses.

On June 17, the commander issued an order for all European residents in Lucknow to move to the Residency. Schilling and his group moved into a banker’s house, which would later be known as the Martiniere Post. Throughout the siege, the students of La Martiniere, ranging in age from six to sixteen, valiantly held the Martiniere Post against overwhelming odds. The rebels, in a numerical advantage, had taken over surrounding buildings, firing bullets and cannonballs frequently, and had dug mines on the grounds. Yet, the students courageously returned fire and demonstrated remarkable creativity in keeping up their supply lines. Remarkably, almost all, except two from Schilling’s group, survived the siege.

In recognition of its brave role in the 1857 events, Britain in 1933 bestowed upon it an unconsecrated battle honor, a banner that reads ‘Defence of Lucknow’. Following India’s independence, the school now views the honor with mixed feelings. While numerous generations of La Martinians take great pride in their colonial martial legacy, similar to military regiments, the school’s administration has placed the flag in a locked safe. “The flag was presented in a formal parade in 1944, and its last display was in 1947,” states Satish Bhatnagar, the author of Bright Renown: La Martiniere College Lucknow. “I once inquired about the decision to conceal the honor, to which the headmaster responded that he was unsure how the Indian government would regard it.” Bhatnagar argues that the award is for valor, a quality that transcends any political affiliations. “La Martiniere fought in the battle as an institution. Few schools can claim such a legacy. Despite political differences, this symbol of courage and valor does not warrant being hidden away,” he explains.

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Principal George Schilling of La Martiniere College

At La Martiniere College for Boys, Lucknow, the favorite pastime of the younger students during break time is to ascend the three cannons located on the eastern side of the campus.

These cannons stand out as the most notable emblems of La Martiniere’s martial heritage. However, what is not widely known is that this institution might be the sole educational facility in the world to receive a battle honor.

During the 1857 siege of Lucknow, the headmaster guided 67 students, six teachers, and the resident superintendent to protect the Residency against the rebel forces. This could be the earliest recorded instance in its history of British authorities enlisting schoolboys for military duties.

Just ten days after the May 10 uprising in Meerut, the commissioner took over the Residency and placed troops in several European locales, La Martiniere among them. Principal George Schilling relocated the entire school to Constantia, the principal building of the Martiniere complex, and strengthened its defenses.

On June 17, the commander issued an order for all European residents in Lucknow to move to the Residency. Schilling and his group moved into a banker’s house, which would later be known as the Martiniere Post. Throughout the siege, the students of La Martiniere, ranging in age from six to sixteen, valiantly held the Martiniere Post against overwhelming odds. The rebels, in a numerical advantage, had taken over surrounding buildings, firing bullets and cannonballs frequently, and had dug mines on the grounds. Yet, the students courageously returned fire and demonstrated remarkable creativity in keeping up their supply lines. Remarkably, almost all, except two from Schilling’s group, survived the siege.

In recognition of its brave role in the 1857 events, Britain in 1933 bestowed upon it an unconsecrated battle honor, a banner that reads ‘Defence of Lucknow’. Following India’s independence, the school now views the honor with mixed feelings. While numerous generations of La Martinians take great pride in their colonial martial legacy, similar to military regiments, the school’s administration has placed the flag in a locked safe. “The flag was presented in a formal parade in 1944, and its last display was in 1947,” states Satish Bhatnagar, the author of Bright Renown: La Martiniere College Lucknow. “I once inquired about the decision to conceal the honor, to which the headmaster responded that he was unsure how the Indian government would regard it.” Bhatnagar argues that the award is for valor, a quality that transcends any political affiliations. “La Martiniere fought in the battle as an institution. Few schools can claim such a legacy. Despite political differences, this symbol of courage and valor does not warrant being hidden away,” he explains.