Indian Mutiny - The Siege of Chanderi

86th Dress (India), circa 1857.

Although the Indian Mutiny began in May 1857, the Government was unable to co-ordinate properly its counter measures until the end of the year. As there was much unrest in central India, General Sir Hugh Rose was ordered to form the Central India Field Force of two brigades with which he was required to defeat the many centres of rebellion then still existing. Included in his force was the 86th (Royal County Down) Regiment.

Sir Hugh's troops began their campaign on 6 January 1858. One of his first tasks was to capture the fort of Chanderi where the rebels had an arsenal. On approaching the fort the British were held up by a rebel position in a ruined temple; when the Royal County Down charged the building, the enemy fled into the strongly fortified town.

Siege preparations went on throughout the early part of March 1858. At 0300 hours on 17 March 1858, the assault parties, which included a strong element from the 86th, formed up and attacked with such vigour that the defenders soon fled. Over 100 enemy died and many more were wounded. The 86th lost 3 men killed and 2 officers and 19 wounded.