The Indian Mutiny

India Telegraph System 1857

The outbreak of the great Mutiny of the Native Indian Army took place on 10th May, 1857, at Meerut. There had been considerable unrest in India for some time; England had lost prestige in the Crimean War the year before, and a tradition existed that her power in India would last only a hundred years. The immediate cause of the Mutiny was the issue of cartridges for the new Enfield rifle lubricated with grease from cows (sacred animals to the Hindus) or from pigs (unclean to the Mohammedans). Warnings of the coming storm were disregarded.

Risings were accompanied by massacres, pillage and sieges of isolated garrisons at Lucknow, Cawnpore and other places, and for some time the situation was critical.

Lucknow Gate 1857

The 1st Battalion had been in India since 1845 and when the Mutiny started was at Meerut under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John Jones. The Battalion at the moment was mustering for evening church parade. On hearing the news it immediately fell in, and Captain Muter, the senior officer present, instantly dispatched a company to secure the Treasury. The Battalion then marched towards the city, and, being joined by the 6th Carabiniers and a battery of Horse Artillery (all the European troops available), it proceeded to occupy the lines of the native troops, thus effectively preventing the mutineers from establishing themselves in the city, so that they were forced forthwith to retreat towards Delhi. The story is told that while hurrying to the native lines the Battalion came upon the body of a lady lying dead and mutilated by the roadside. This lady was well known both to the officers and men for her devotion and care for the women and children of the Battalion and the men as they passed, exasperated at the sight, raised their rifles in the air and swore to avenge her death. The Battalion, and their leader. known later as "Jones the Avenger," made good their oath.