Shadows of Chillianwala: The Ordeal of His Majesty's 24th Foot Regiment

The 24th Foot Regiment of Her Majesty's army, having endured the fiercest fighting, bore the brunt of the casualties during their recent deployment to India. Engaging in their inaugural major action in the region, the regiment found themselves amidst dense shrubbery of the Rakh (Jungle), becoming detached from the main advancing force and encountering the central detachment of the Sikh Army under the command of Sher Singh himself. 

 

This encounter led to a retreat that swiftly devolved into a rout, resulting in the regiment suffering the ignominy of losing one of its standards, notably the "Queen's Color," which was never recovered. The toll was heavy, with over 200 soldiers dead, nearly 300 wounded, and close to 50 missing. These fallen were not interred at the main burial ground, but scattered tombs were mentioned in the vicinity of Chillianwala.

 

During my investigations around Chillianwala, beyond paying respects at the established monuments, I embarked on a quest to locate these scattered tombs. Along the inter-village road from Chillianwala towards Kot Baloch, now named Gulshan e Iqbal road, I discovered three walled compounds amidst the standing crops, each spanning over a kilometer. These sites served as mass graves where the soldiers of the 24th Foot were laid to rest. 

The genesis of these trench graves is recounted in General Sir George MacMunn's narrative of the battle, which tells of Sikh soldiers repelling British assaults, taking control of the battlefield, and desecrating the bodies of the fallen 24th Foot soldiers. Such scenes deeply demoralized the British troops, leading to the decision to bury their dead where they fell. Sadly, these grave sites have fallen into disrepair or repurposed entirely. Only one surviving plaque, situated in the central compound, bears witness to the soldiers of HM 24th Foot who perished in the Battle of Chillianwala on January 13, 1849. 

I'm curious about the fate of the Sikh soldiers who perished on that tragic day. With the battle raging on until evening and the Sikh army eventually retreating, it's unlikely they had the opportunity to perform cremations for their fallen comrades. I wonder what became of them. Additionally, considering there were Muslims fighting on both sides, I'm left wondering where they were laid to rest. I'm hopeful that someone can provide insight into these questions.

Despite subsequent conflicts and Punjab's annexation to the Empire following the decisive battle at Goojerat, the tranquil and sober landscape of Chillianwala stands as a testament to the valiant struggle, profound sacrifices, and staggering losses endured before relinquishing control. Chillianwala, dear reader, represents but one chapter in the illustrious history of Punjab.

References

“Narrative of the Second Sikh War in1848-49”, by Edward Joseph Thackwell, Aide de Camp to General Thackwell published in Selections from Calcutta Review Vol IV June-September 1882 “When fate & destiny conspired against Sikhs’ victory”, by K. S. Randhawa published in The Tribune India, Online Edition, January 13, 2002 “The Sanguinary Battle of Chillianwala and the Lost Graves of the 24th Foot” by Tim Willasey Wilsey,