142 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1826.
CHAPTER VI. 1826-1841.
THE 41ST RETURNS TO FORT GEORGE, MADRAS, AND THENCE MARCHES TO
BELLARY. MOVES TO BELGAUM. HEAVY LOSS FROM CHOLERA. MARCHES
TO ARNEE AND THENCE TO TRICHINOPOLY. TERRITORIAL DESIGNATION,
THE WELCH REGIMENT, GRANTED TO THE 41ST. THE PRINCE OF
WALES' PLUME AND MOTTO, GWELL ANGAU NA CHYWILYDD, AUTHOR-
IZED. - THE REGIMENT, UNDER ORDERS FOR AVA, IS VISITED BY THE
CHOLERA, WHICH POSTPONES EMBARKATION. AFTER BEING STATIONED IN
AVA TWO YEARS, RETURNS TO ARNEE. MOVES TO BELLARY. A WING
PROCEEDS TO POONAH. IN CONSEQUENCE OF DISTURBANCES IN SCINDE,
THE 41ST MOVES TO KURRACHEE. A WING ORDERED TO SUKKUR. ITS
MOVEMENTS. RETURN TO KURRACHEE.
_______________________________________________________
1826.
On 8th March, 1826, the 41st embarked in canoes at Tandaboo
and descended the river Irawaddy. Prome was reached on
the 14th, and Rangoon on the 21st. On the 22nd the regiment
embarked on board the transports Golconda and Hammond
Shah, and on the 27th, sailed from Rangoon. The two ships
reached Madras on 14th June and 1st July respectively, and the
whole regiment was once more quartered in Fort St. George.
On 12th April, Major Chambers was appointed lieutenant-colonel
of the 87th Regiment.
On 14th August, the 41st left Madras for Bellary, arriving there on
26th September. New colours were handed to the regiment prior to
marching off.
During the year three hundred and forty privates joined from the
depôt (until December, located at Canterbury) and sixteen privates of
the 67th Regiment volunteered for the 41st.1
On 12th December, the regiment was inspected by Colonel Boles,
in command of the ceded provinces.
The strength of the regiment was: - one colonel, two lieutenant-
1 Muster Rolls, Record Office.
1826-27.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 143
colonels, two majors, ten captains, twenty-two lieutenants, seven
ensigns, one adjutant, one surgeon, two assistant-surgeons, forty-five
sergeants, twenty-four corporals, nineteen drummers, and seven
hundred and ninety-seven privates, being one captain, one lieutenant,
one ensign, one paymaster, one quarter-master, eighteen sergeants,
thirty-four corporals, three drummers, and one hundred and fifty-
three privates under establishment.
The nationality of the rank and file was: - three hundred and
thirty-four English, forty-three Scotch, four hundred Irish, one
foreigner, and nineteen unknown.
The inspecting officer particularly noticed the good drill of the
regiment, but, owing to the campaign in Ava, which left many of the
men very sick, reported that the 41st was unfit for service, as the
healthiest men were recruits recently arrived from England, who had
not, as yet, been sufficiently instructed in their duties. 1
The cantonments and hospital at Bellary were reported most
unhealthy by the officer commanding the 41st, and the inspecting
officer fully concurred in his views. 2
The following deaths occurred amongst the officers: - Captain G.F.
Boulton, 29th October; Paymaster James Raye, 12th November.
1827.
On 2nd January, a wing of the regiment, consisting of Nos. 2, 4, 5,
8, and 10 companies, under Captain Stehelin, marched from Bellary
and reached Belgaum on the 23rd. 3 On 6th April, Colonel Godwin,
C.B., exchanged with Lieutenant-Colonel Chambers, C.B., of the 87th
Regiment.
The remainder of the regiment paraded for inspection by Colonel
Oliver on 17th May, the result being quite satisfactory.
The Bellary portion of the regiment marched for Belgaum on
30th September, and on its arrival the entire regiment proceeded to
Kolapore, where the Poonah and Dooab field forces were encamped.
On 8th December the regiment was inspected by Colonel Welsh,
who reported that the regiment is composed of young men, well
1 Inspection Returns, Record Office. 2 Ibid. 3 Regimental Record Book.
144 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1827-28.
drilled; their conduct in quarters sober, orderly, and soldierlike,
His Majesty's 41st Regiment of Foot is well grounded in the
various parts of the new system established by His Majesty's regula-
tions. The discipline and soldierlike conduct of the whole, while
under my surveillance, has been exemplary, and calls for the
expression of my grateful acknowledgment. 1
Amongst the deaths during this year, particular notice must be
taken of that of Lieutenant-Colonel Chambers, C.B., who died on
17th February; Captain Vanspall, 25th February; Lieutenant
Logan, 8th March; Captain Stehelin, 8th December.
During this year, the regiment was twice visited by the cholera,
and lost forty-seven men.
1828.
The 41st was inspected by Colonel Welsh at Belgaum on 26th May
and 8th December.
The strength of the regiment on the former date was: - one
colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, eleven captains, twenty-four lieut-
enants, seven ensigns, one paymaster, one surgeon, three assistant-
surgeons, forty-nine sergeants, thirty-two corporals, nineteen drum-
mers, and six hundred and fifty-three privates, being one ensign, one
adjutant, one quarter-master, six sergeants, twelve corporals, three
drummers, and two hundred and ninety-seven privates under
establishment.
1 Inspection Returns, Record Office.
fusing. In the biographies in the Appendix will be found what is believed to be
the proper order, but no great reliance must be placed upon it.
In the year 1827 a fund known as the Humane Fund was instituted in
the regiment. Its object was charitable relief to orphan children in the 41st.
It was supported by voluntary contributions, the officers' subscriptions being
according to rank. A major's share was ten rupees a month. Many inspecting
officers mention that the fund did a great deal of good. In 1843 it was converted
into a regimental fund.
[2002 Editor: facing page 144 appears the black & white illustration ]
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ROBERT PLACE
(Commanding 41st Regt., 1827)
1828.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 145
The nationality of the privates was: - two hundred and eighty-
two English, forty-three Scotch, three hundred and twenty-seven
Irish, and one foreigner.
On both the above dates, the reports of the inspecting officer were
satisfactory. Amongst other items deserving of notice, Colonel
Welsh mentions the band, which plays capitally, and the presence
of two black drummers, who beat better than any of the others. 1
The following deaths occurred amongst the officers: - Lieutenant
I.G. Inglis, 4th January; Lieutenant-Colonel Place, 17th January; 2
and Assistant-Surgeon Tennant, 11th June.
In August, 1828, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir E.K. Williams, K.C.B.,
K.T.S., arrived at Belgaum and assumed command of the regiment, to
which he had been gazetted lieutenant-colonel 9th August, 1827.
1829.
In January, the 41st received orders to march to Arnee, which
place it reached on 20th March. The Medical Board of Madras
having advanced an opinion that cholera was in many instances
produced by exposure to the morning sun, and the move of the 41st
affording a favourable opportunity to test this theory, the regiment
was ordered not to be put in motion until after the sun had risen.
The distance from Belgaum to Arnee is four hundred and seventy-
four miles, and during the march not a single case of cholera was
experienced. 3
On 12th May, the regiment was inspected by Major-General John
Doveton, the result being quite satisfactory.
The strength of the regiment was: - one colonel, two lieutenant-
colonels, two majors, eleven captains, twenty-three lieutenants, seven
ensigns, one paymaster, one adjutant, one quarter-master, one sur-
geon, two assistant-surgeons, forty-eight sergeants, thirty-six corporals,
twenty-one drummers, and six hundred and sixty-five privates, being
one lieutenant, one ensign, one assistant-surgeon, seven sergeants,
fourteen corporals, one drummer, and two hundred and eighty-five
privates under establishment.
1 Inspection Returns, Record Book. 2 Vide Lives of Lieutenant Colonels.
3 Regimental Record Book.
146 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1829-30.
The nationality of the regiment was: - two hundred and seventy-
six English, forty-two Scotch, three hundred and forty-six Irish, and
one foreigner. 1
In July, the number of companies was reduced from ten to nine. 2
On 10th December, the regiment was inspected by Brigadier
General McDowell, C.B., the result being satisfactory.
During the year nine privates joined from the department at Dover
Castle, and forty volunteers from the 30th, 47th, and 59th regiments
were received into the ranks of the 41st.
The following officers died: - Captain Pillichody, 10th February;
and Lieutenant Boyce, 28th April.
1830.
On 14th May, 1830, the 41st was inspected at Arnee by Brigadier-
General McDowell, C.B., who found the regiment clean, smart, and
healthy in appearance. 3
On 7th July it marched for Trichinopoly, arriving there on the
27th. On this occasion also the marches were not commenced until
half-an-hour after the sun had risen. The distance is one hundred
and sixty miles, and only one man died, the cause of death being
cholera. On leaving Arnee the strength of the regiment was seven
hundred and thirty-two, of whom forty-two were sick; on arrival at
Trichinopoly, there were twenty-seven sick. During the period the
regiment had already spent in the East Indies it had buried thirty-
six officers and about one thousand men. 4
On 8th December, the regiment was inspected by Major-General
the Earl of Carnworth, the result being satisfactory, the non-
commissioned officers especially being eulogized.
During the year twenty-one recruits joined from the depôt, and
fifty-one men volunteered from other corps, (Royals, 5th, 26th, and
89th regiments).
1 Inspection Returns, Record Office.
2 Muster Rolls. 3 Inspection Returns, Record Office.
4 All the officers have not been traced, but there is no reason to doubt this
statement. D.A.N.L.
[editor 2002: facing page 146 is an illustration entitled:]
MAJOR-GENERAL SIR EDMUND KEYNTON WILLIAMS, K.C.B., K.T.S.
(Lieut.-Colonel Commanding 41st Regt., 1827.)
1830-31.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 147
The following deaths occurred amongst the officers: - Lieutenant
Boultbee, 22nd May; Lieutenant John Smith, 7th August; Captain
James Dawson, 17th August.
1831.
Colonel Sir E. K. Williams, K.C.B., K.T.S., commanding the 41st,
having made application to the Right Honble. Lord Hill, the General
commanding-in-chief, that the 41st might hereafter be denominated
The Welch Regiment, the following reply was received: - 1
Horse Guards,
25th February, 1831.
Sir,
I have the honour to acquaint you, by the direction of the
General commanding-in-chief, that His Majesty has been graciously
pleased to approve of the 41st Regiment being in future styled
The 41st, or the Welch Regiment of Infantry.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your very obedient humble servant,
(Sd.) JOHN MACDONALD,
Adjutant-General.
The officer commanding the 41st Regiment.
On 16th May, the 41st was inspected by Major-General the Earl
of Carnworth. The strength of the regiment was: - one colonel,
two lieutenant-colonels, two majors, ten captains, twenty-two lieu-
tenants, six ensigns, one paymaster, one adjutant, one quarter-master,
one surgeon, one assistant-surgeon, forty-one sergeants, thirty-six
corporals, seventeen drummers, and seven hundred and forty-seven
privates, being one lieutenant and two ensigns under establishment
and forty-seven privates over.
The nationality of the privates was: -three hundred and fifteen
English, thirty-seven Scotch, three hundred and ninety-four Irish,
and one foreigner.
1 Regimental Record Book.
148 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1831.
The inspecting officer reported the corps efficient and fit for
service, and everything appertaining to it in good condition. 1
On 1st December, the 41st was inspected by Major-General
John Dalrymple, who said I consider this regiment in a very
effective and serviceable state. From its appearance and general
discipline, every attention must have been paid by its commanding
officer since the last inspection. 2
On 2nd December, the regiment received orders to be held in
readiness to march to Madras for embarkation for the Tenasserim
coast, to occupy the provinces ceded to the British by the King of
Ava at the conclusion of the late war, and in consequence the 41st
marched on 21st December, and encamped near Marmalong bridge,
eight miles from Madras, on 11th January, 1832, the distance being
nearly two hundred miles.
The following letter 3 will be of great interest as connected with
the regimental record: -
Horse Guards,
19th December, 1831.
Sir,
I have the honour to acquaint you, by direction of the General
commanding-in-chief, that His Majesty, having been pleased to
permit the 41st Regiment, in February last, to be styled The 41st,
or Welch Regiment of Infantry, has also permitted it to bear on
its colours and appointments the Prince of Wales' Plume, with the
motto ŒGwell angau neu Ghwilydd.' 4
I have the honour, etc.,
JOHN McDONALD, Lieutenant-Colonel,
Adjutant-General.
To the officer commanding
41st Regiment,
Madras.
1 Inspection Returns, Record Office. 2 Ibid.
3 Regimental Record Book.
4 For various methods of spelling the motto, vide Appendix.
1832-33.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 149
1832.
It was intended that the regiment should continue encamped until
its final embarkation, but, being visited by a very severe and fatal
attack of cholera, orders were received on 17th January to march
to Poonamalee. On 27th January one company embarked at
Madras on board the brig Helen, and on 6th February another on
board the barque Edward and Eliza. The remainder of the
regiment embarked on 11th February on board the transports
Nerbudda, Argyle, and Swallow, the head-quarters on the first
named vessel. On 24th February the Nerbudda anchored off
Amherst Town, at the mouth of the Martaban river, and on the
26th, head-quarters proceeded up the river to Moulmein, a distance
of twenty-four miles, and disembarked on the following day.1 Two
small parties were despatched to Mergue and Tavoy.
The regiment was twice inspected during the year by Sir E.K.
Williams, K.C.B., commanding the Tenasserim provinces, the result
on each occasion being quite satisfactory.2
The strength of the regiment on the date of the second inspection
(10th December, 1832) was: - one colonel, two lieutenant-colonels,
two majors, ten captains, twenty-two lieutenants, eight ensigns, one
paymaster, one quarter-master, one surgeon, two assistant-surgeons,
forty-one sergeants, thirty-six corporals, sixteen drummers, and six
hundred and eighty-six privates, being one adjutant and fourteen
privates under establishment.
Recruiting during 1832 was carried on at Newcastle-on-Tyne.
1833.
The 41st remained at Moulmein during the whole of the year. It
was inspected by Sir E.K. Williams, K.C.B., on 14th May and 9th
December.
The strength on the latter occasion was: - one colonel, two
Lieutenant-colonels, two majors, ten captains, twenty-one lieutenants,
1 Regimental Record Book. 2 Inspection Returns, Record Office.
150 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1833-34.
seven ensigns, one paymaster, one adjutant, one quarter-master, one
surgeon, two assistant-surgeons, forty sergeants, thirty-five corporals,
thirteen drummers, and six hundred and fifty-one privates, being one
lieutenant, one ensign, one sergeant, one corporal, and forty-nine
privates under establishment.
The nationality of the rank and file was: - two hundred and sixty-
three English, thirty-seven Scotch, three hundred and fifty Irish, and
one foreigner.
The inspecting officer particularly noticed the light infantry move-
ments as being very well executed, and concludes his report by
saying: - At this inspection I have found the 41st, or Welch Regi-
ment of Infantry, in extreme clean order; very healthy, and to
every appearance fit for the most hardy and trying service; they
are most active men, and perform their evolutions in a masterly and
quick style. I consider it a duty, as the inspecting officer, to state
that as a body of officers few regiments excel in appearance, and
at the mess table everything is carried on with that regularity and
propriety the best regulated mess could show.1
1834.
In January, directions were received to hold a detachment of the
41st in readiness to return to Madras. On 5th March the transport
Captain Cook was reported ready for sea, and on the 7th the head-
quarters of the regiment, consisting of Nos. 2, 3, and 6 companies,
were conveyed down the river in the steamer Diana and a couple of
gunboats, and on the same day embarked in the Captain Cook, then
lying off Amherst, and on 27th March arrived in the Madras roads.
On the following evening this portion of the regiment disembarked
and marched to Poonamalee.
The left wing, under command of Captain Joseph Simmons, con-
tinued to occupy Moulmein until September, when it was relieved by
the 62nd Regiment.
Prior to its embarkation it was inspected by Brigadier-General Sir
1 Inspection Returns, Record Office.
1834-35.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 151
Jeremiah Dickson, K.C.B., commanding the Tenasserim provinces,
who was pleased to issue the most flattering order on the general
appearance and conduct of the wing while under his command.1 It
embarked in three divisions, the first on board the Swallow, consist-
ing of the grenadier company under Captain Simmons; the second
on board the Alexander, consisting of the light and Nos. 1 and 7
companies; the third on board the Prinsep, under the command of
Captain Kempster. The whole arrived at Madras on or before 22nd
October, and joined the head-quarters at Poonamalee.
On 31st October, the regiment marched from Poonamalee for
Arnee, arriving at the latter place on 6th November. The detach-
ments at Mergue and Tavoy were not relieved until later, owing to
the sickly state of the 62nd Regiment, whose ranks had been so
reduced as to render them unable to find a sufficient number of men
for the relief.2
1835.
On 3rd March, the detachments at Mergue and Tavoy were
relieved, and arrived at Madras, on board the Brougham, on the 27th.
On 13th April they joined the head-quarters of the regiment at
Arnee.
The regiment was inspected three times during the year by Major-
General Sir John Doveton, K.C.B. The dates of inspection were
8th January, 30th May, and 28th December. On each occasion the
result was eminently satisfactory, the good drill in particular
being very much remarked. The general added the following obser-
vation to his report of 28th December: - This is the third time
of my inspecting the 41st, or Welch Regiment, within the year.
I should be unjust to this highly respectable corps, and be guilty of
a dereliction of duty, were I to omit stating that in these repeated
close examinations I have seen nothing to blame, but much to
applaud. Their interior arrangements appear to be highly judi-
cious, and conducted in strict accordance with the regulations, -
their field movements are not only critically correct, but they were
1 Regimental Record Book. 2 Ibid.
152 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1836.
executed with a degree of celerity I have seldom, or ever witnessed,
and were truly characteristic of the active, able officer in com-
mand.1
1836.
The regiment was inspected by Major-General Sir John Doveton,
K.C.B., on July 14th. The strength of the regiment was: - one colonel,
two lieutenant-colonels, two majors, ten captains, twenty-two lieuten-
ants, eight ensigns, one paymaster, one adjutant, one quarter-master,
one surgeon, two assistant-surgeons, forty-one sergeants, thirty-six cor-
porals, thirteen drummers, and six hundred and thirty-five privates,
being three ensigns, one sergeant, and sixty-eight men under establish-
ment. The nationality of the rank and file was: - two hundred and
eighty-two English, thirty-two Scotch, three hundred and twenty
Irish, and one foreigner. The inspecting officer simply adds to his
report, The regiment turned out, as it always does, clean and in
high order.2
The 41st remained at Arnee until 13th September, when it marched
for Bellary, arriving there on 18th October. This march presented
no occurrence deserving of mention, unless it be the remarkable
healthiness of the men, of whom only nine were brought in sick, and
only one died on the march, notwithstanding a constant exposure to
heavy rain during the early part of it. On arrival at Bellary the
strength of the 41st was increased by a draft of one hundred and fifty
volunteers from the 45th and twenty-one from the 20th, these regi-
ments having been ordered home. 2[sic-2002 Ed.] In addition, forty-three recruits
joined from the depot at Chatham and were temporarily stationed at
Poonamalee.3
On 12th December, the 41st was inspected by Brigadier-General
F.W. Wilson, C.B., who remarked that since last inspection there had
been but one man tried by a court-martial, and not a single man
flogged. The following observation was recorded by him at the end
of his report: - This corps is a very fine body of men, in good
1 Inspection Returns, Record Office. 2 Ibid.
3 Muster Rolls. 4 Ibid.
1836-37.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 153
order, and fit for immediate service. The conduct of the men
appears exemplary, not a single complaint having been made against
them since their arrival in this station. Perfect cordiality and good
feeling exists amongst the officers, and everything regarding the
regiment bespeaks a good management and attention, highly credit-
able to Major Booth and the rest of the officers.1
During the year the following officers died: - Lieutenant A. Glen,
22nd May; Lieutenant C. Burlton, 27th August; and Lieutenant-
Colonel Purdon (at sea), 2nd December.
1837.
On 16th May, 1837, the 41st was inspected by Brigadier-General
F.W. Wilson, C.B., the result being highly satisfactory.
The strength of the regiment was: - one colonel, two lieutenant-
colonels, two majors, ten captains, twenty-two lieutenants, eight
ensigns, one paymaster, one adjutant, one quarter-master, one
surgeon, two assistant-surgeons, forty-two sergeants, thirty-six cor-
porals, thirteen drummers, and eight hundred and fourteen privates,
being one lieutenant under establishment and one hundred and
eleven privates over.
The nationality of the rank and file was: - three hundred and
seventy-two English, forty-three Scotch, three hundred and ninety-
eight Irish, and one foreigner.
The inspecting officer notes, with evident pleasure, that not one
single case of corporal punishment had been necessary since the last
inspection.2
On 10th July, Colonel Sir E.K. Williams, K.C.B., was transferred
to the 9th Regiment, and was succeeded in command of the 41st by
Colonel Richard England, K.H.
On 5th September, General the Honble. Sir Edward Stopford,3
K.C.B., died, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the 41st by
Major-General Sir Ralph Darling,4 G.C.H.
1 Inspection Returns, Record Office. Major Booth was in command, as Sir
Edmund Williams was on leave.
2 Inspection Returns, Record Office.
3 Vide Lives of the Colonels. 4. Ibid.
154 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1838-39.
On 7th December, the regiment was again inspected by Brigadier-
General Wilson, with the most satisfactory results.
During the year the following officers died: - Lieutenant C. Nott,
22nd May; Lieutenant D. Carmichael (at sea), 10th July.
1838.
Early in this year, Colonel England arrived at Ballary and took
over command of the 41st.
The regiment was inspected by Brigadier Wilson on 28th May,
1838. The strength of the regiment was: - one colonel, two lieu-
tenant-colonels, two majors, ten captains, nineteen lieutenants, eight
ensigns, one paymaster, one adjutant, one quarter-master, one
surgeon, two assistant-surgeons, forty-two sergeants, thirty-six cor-
porals, thirteen drummers, and seven hundred and ninety-one
privates, being three lieutenants under establishment and eighty-eight
privates over.
The nationality of the rank and file was: - three hundred and
sixty-eight English, forty-four Scotch, three hundred and seventy-eight
Irish, and one foreigner.
Towards the end of the year, the 41st marched to Belgaum, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Booth, forming part of a Madras division under
Colonel England of the 41st.
On 20th December, the regiment was inspected by Major-General
Salter, C.B., the result being satisfactory.
During the year the following officers died: - Lieutenant William
Morris, 16th August, and Quarter-master Gibson, 16th August.
1839.
On 6th May, the 41st was inspected by Colonel R. England, K.H.
The strength of the regiment was: - one colonel, two lieutenant-
colonels, two majors, ten captains, twenty-one lieutenants, six ensigns,
one paymaster, one adjutant, one quarter-master, one surgeon, two
assistant-surgeons, forty-one sergeants, thirty-five corporals, thirteen
drummers, and seven hundred and nineteen privates, being one
lieutenant, one ensign, one sergeant, and one corporal under strength,
and sixteen privates over.
[2002 Editor: facing page 154 is an illustration titled:]
GENERAL SIR RICHARD ENGLAND, G.C.B., K.H.
(Lieut.-Colonel Commanding 41st Regt., 1827.)
1839-40.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 155
The nationality of the rank and file was: - three hundred and
twenty-four English, thirty-eight Scotch, three hundred and fifty-six
Irish, and one foreigner.
Shortly afterwards, a wing of the regiment proceeded to Poonah,
under Major Gore-Browne. The remainder of the regiment was
inspected by Colonel England on 12th December. The inspecting
officer remarks that the five companies of the 41st at this station
are in good order, and fit for any duty or service. The spirit of
the corps is excellent.1
During this year the following officers died: - Lieutenant A.R.
Whittell, 28th January, and Lieutenant R. Harnett, 7th May.
1840.
On 3rd June, the regiment was inspected by Brigadier R. Eng-
land, K.H. The strength of the 41st was: - one colonel, two lieu-
tenant colonels, two majors, ten captains, twenty-two lieutenants,
seven ensigns, one paymaster, one adjutant, one quarter-master, one
surgeon, two assistant-surgeons, forty-two sergeants, thirty-six cor-
porals, twelve drummers, and six hundred and fifty privates, being
one ensign, nine sergeants, nine corporals, six drummers, and two
hundred and seventy-six privates under establishment.
The nationality of the rank and file was: - two hundred and seventy-
two English, thirty-six Scotch, three hundred and forty-one Irish, and
one foreigner.
The inspecting officer made the following observation at the end
of his report: - The regiment, for its numbers, is well fit for imme-
diate service. The battalion is in a creditable condition, and
although there exists amongst the privates much of that extent of
crime peculiar to European soldiers in India, yet the spirit of the
corps at large is good, and its capabilities in the field, I venture to
predict, would realize a high expectation.2
Towards the end of September, some reverses having been met
1 Inspection Returns, Record Office. The inspecting officer also remarked that
the whole regiment was particularly instructed in light infantry drill.
2 Inspection Returns, Record Office.
156 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1840.
with in Scinde, the 41st, with other regiments, was ordered to that
country. For this purpose Nos. 2, 3, and 8, with both flank companies,
marched from Belgaum, and reached Vingola on 5th October.
Here they embarked on board the steamship Cleopatra and
landed at Kurrachee, in Lower Scinde, on the 12th of the same
month. After disembarking this wing, the Cleopatra returned to
Vingola and brought the remainder of the 41st to the same port,
where they disembarked on 4th November. Shortly afterwards,
General Brooks arrived from Bombay, and ordered the wing under
Major Gore-Browne to join the head-quarters of the force then assem-
bling at Sukkar for the purpose of controlling the hill tribes which had
overrun the plains of Cutchee, and reduced the Khan of Khelat to
subjection. On 22nd November, the wing, composed of Nos. 2, 3,
and 8, the grenadier and light companies, left Kurrachee for Sukkur,
and on 23rd November, having marched thirty-nine and a half miles,
arrived at Gara. On the 25th, Tatta was reached and an encamp-
ment formed on the banks of the Indus, about four miles beyond
the town.1 On the 27th, Captain Bedingfield and his company
embarked in boats for Sukkar, and the horses were despatched by
road. A severe dust storm on the 28th appears to have caused great
discomfort to officers and men, and the variations of temperature
would have been considered remarkable in any other country. On
the 29th, Captain Tallon's company embarked for Sukkur, and on
1st December Whiteley's battery of camel artillery arrived at Tatta,
en route for the same destination. On 2nd December, Major Gore-
Browne, having received information that the steamers would probably
be detained, determined to embark the remainder of the 41st in
river boats, and on the 3rd, sailed with a beautiful breeze which
continued until sunset, when the little fleet of boats came to
anchor, and the men got on shore. The numerous fires and the
various figures flitting across or sitting around them, were pictur-
esque enough, and when the cooking and eating was finished, the
soldiers made the shores ring again with their songs and stories, the
1 The description of the movements of the wing of the 41st ordered to Sukkur,
is taken from Sir Thomas Gore-Browne's diary.
1840-41.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 157
latter of which ought to have been very witty, if judged by the
mirth they created.1 On the 4th the boats sailed at dawn and
anchored at sunset, having caught up Captain Tallon's company.
The main body had covered a distance of forty-five miles in two
days. Considering the stream runs four miles an hour, and at the
season of the flood is said to run eight or nine, this slow travelling
can scarcely be wondered at.2
On 6th December, the light company was transferred to a steamer,
and the flotilla proceeded on its way, and after much annoyance,
caused by the ignorance of the Scindian pilots and the slowness of
the journey, the first boat arrived at Sukkur on 16th December, the
last detachment not reaching its destination until the 26th, when the
entire wing of the 41st encamped on the banks of the Indus, next to
Her Majesty's 40th Regiment. At this time Sukkur was garrisoned
by over eleven thousand men, and appears to have been a most
unpopular station.
On New Year's Eve the officers of the 41st gave a dinner party,
the guests being the general and staff and the officers of Her Majesty's
40th Regiment and 6th Native Infantry. The guests returned home
with the band of the 41st playing the old year out and the new year in.
1841.
On 2nd February, the wing of the 41st, having received fresh orders,
commenced loading their camels at about half-past four, and started
their march to Bagh. This day's work must have been most trying,
for the dust hung in such density that it checked both sight and
sound, and when I halted, the advanced guard which was only two
hundred yards in front continued on, as they neither heard the
bugle nor saw the main body. So dense was the dust that we
passed our own camp ground without either seeing or being seen
by the camp colour men, though it was not fifty yards from the
road.3
Abdoo was reached on the 4th, and Shirkapoor on the 6th, after a
1 Extract from Sir Thomas Gore-Browne's diary. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid.
158 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1841.
somewhat fatiguing march. The wing of the 41st, a company of
artillery, and a detachment of the 6th Native Infantry were ordered to
halt here, and consequently remained in camp until the 15th, when,
having received orders to return to Sukkur, they marched back via
Abdoo, and on the 16th reached their destination. The news received
at this time from Afghanistan was most discomfiting; serious disturb-
ances were reported at Candahar, and a report was rife that the
Persians were moving on Herat. Scarcely had the wing of the 41st
reached Sukkur, when an order was received to march to Dadur, and
with some companies of sepoys, a company of artillery, and a few
irregular horse to escort two hundred and ten camel loads of treasure
to that station. On the 24th, Jafferabad (six miles) was reached, and
on the 25th, Aboo, (six miles), and on the 26th, Shirkapoor, where
the troops halted until 1st March. On this day the forward move-
ment was continued to Jaghum (twelve miles), and on the 2nd to
Janee Dera (thirteen miles). At six o'clock in the evening on 3rd
March the force set out, and, owing to the excellence of the roads,
reached Minotee at three o'clock in the morning on the 4th. On the
morning of the 5th a start was made at daybreak for Shahpoor,
(fourteen miles), and on the 6th the column halted. On the 7th, the
cattle were reported unfit to move, and it was not until the following
day that Chattam (eleven miles) was reached. On the 9th to Churcka,
(sixteen miles), on the 10th to Pir-ke-shair (twelve miles), and on the
13th a very necessary long halt commenced. Since leaving Sukkur,
the camp had been a hotbed of the most audacious robberies, in
which the hill men were conspicuous. Camel stealing was most
common, and the attempts to steal arms particularly frequent. To
linger behind the column meant certain death, and to leave a camel
outside the precincts of the camp was the best possible means of
losing it. It was not until Bagh was reached that, owing to the
strenuous advice of Major Gore-Browne, the practice of, as far as
possible, bringing everyone into camp was followed. On 18th
March, the force marched to Hadjekeshair (fifteen miles). In spite
of the excellence of the road, the commissariat and camp followers
lost their way, and although the column had started at twenty
1841.] 41ST (THE WELCH) REGIMENT 159
minutes past six o'clock in the morning, did not reach their destina-
tion till two o'clock the next morning. On 20th March, Dadur1 was
reached and the force encamped there.
Orders having been received to march to Quetta, the wing of the
41st and the remainder of the force left Dadur on 7th April and
marched to Kundia (ten miles), on the 8th to Gurnab (twelve miles),
on the 9th to Bechenall (ten miles), and on the 10th to Abigoom
(twelve miles). On the 11th, the condition of the animals necessi-
tated a halt, and only permitted a short march of six miles on the
12th. On the 14th, sixteen miles were covered, and on the 16th,
Quetta was reached. The want of supplies being most keenly felt,
the wing of the 41st was ordered to Moostong, which place was
reached on the 19th.
On 2nd May, two2 companies of the 41st, under Major Cochran,
were sent to Mousky to reduce a chief named Fazil Khan to subjec-
tion.
About this time, terrible sickness made its appearance in the wing.
Out of seven officers remaining at Quetta, four were ill with fever,
and in the grenadier company sixty men were not fit to stand on
parade from the same cause. Well may Major Gore-Browne have
dreaded the return of the companies sent to Mousky. Rumour had
reached him that they were suffering severely, marching thirty miles
a day, and suffering many casualties from the effects of the climate.
On their return on 15th June, Major Gore-Browne found that his
fears were well founded, and the state of the wing at this time
became most desperate, the fever-stricken men creeping about like
ghosts, when they were out of a hospital so crowded, that their
departure therefrom in no way proved their convalescence.3
1 Dadur is supposed to be one of the hottest places in the world. The Persian
Proverb runs When Thou hadst Dadur and Seely, oh! God, what need of
Hell! Sir Thomas Gore-Browne's diary.
2 The Regimental Record Book gave three companies, and not two. Sir Thomas
Gore-Browne states two only.
3 Not many men died of this sickness. Captain Bedingfield, Dr. Munster,
one sergeant, and eleven privates died, and were buried in a graveyard which was
enclosed by the men of the regiment, and in which a tablet was erected to the
memory of those interred. Regimental Record Book.
160 A HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE [1841.
In consequence of General Brooks' departure, the command of
the troops in Upper Scinde devolved upon Colonel England of the
41st, who was ordered to retire below the passes as soon as the
season would permit, leaving only a sufficient force to garrison
Quetta. Two companies of the 41st and some artillery were ordered
to proceed to Kurrachee, via Khelat and Soamanee, to prove the
practicability of the road, and the remainder, with the 3rd Cavalry
and Horse Artillery, followed shortly afterwards. Colonel Booth,
having been compelled to take leave of absence owing to ill-health,
the command of the head-quarters of the 41st devolved on Major
Gore-Browne, who accordingly proceeded to Kurrachee, arriving
there on 30th November.
NOTE. In 1829 men enlisted for life; this continued until 1847, when enlist-
ment for ten years was introduced. In 1825 the highest flogging sentence on record
in the British army was passed on a private soldier. He was awarded one thousand
nine hundred lashes by a court-martial, and received one thousand two hundred. In
1830 a regimental court-martial could award three hundred lashes, and in 1831 a
district court-martial five hundred lashes. In 1838 no corporal punishment was to
exceed two hundred lashes. The following were the approximate rates of pay issued
from 1800 to 1867: - sergeant-major, 1s. 6 ¾ d.; quarter-master-sergeant, 1s 6 ¾ d,;
sergeant, 1s. 0 ¾ d.; corporal, 8 ¾ d.; drummer, 7 ¾ d.; private, 6d. after deducting
6d. a day for rations. The Army Book for the British Empire.
During the whole of 1841, the remaining wing of the 41st (Nos. 1,4,5,6, and 7
companies) remained at Kurrachee. They were inspected by Brigadier-General
Farquharson on 28th January, 2nd June, and 28th December. The result on the
last occasion was not very satisfactory.